Medicinal Facts About Depression and Anxiety Drugs

Although major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder arise from an interplay between many different factors, both have bases in brain chemical imbalances. This is the reason that medication so effectively treats both illnesses.

Drugs for Depression

• Common types of antidepressants include selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and atypical antidepressants. Less common treatments for depression are tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Drugs for Anxiety

• To ease the symptoms of anxiety, psychiatrists and physicians usually prescribe benzodiazepines or tranquilizers. The FDA has also approved some types of antidepressants for such uses.

Mechanisms

• All of the listed medications affect the brain. Antidepressants increase brain levels of certain neurotransmitters. Benzodiazepines mimic the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and thereby calm the body. Tranquilizers depress the central nervous system.

Side Effects

• Benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, and antidepressants can all cause headache, nausea and blurred vision; and anti-anxiety medications can cause depression. Those who take tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors should watch for food and drug interactions, and should monitor their dosage carefully. All of the listed medications can be habit-forming.

Important Notes

• You should never take any psychotropic that has not been prescribed to you by a licensed professional. Medications for mental illness are most effective when combined with therapy.