Drugs That Treat Depression & Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder and depression are two common forms of mental illness that are treatable with medication and therapy. Although the therapy is different, there are medications that are effective for the treatment of either condition.

Common Medications

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhabitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa and Paxil can be used to treat social anxiety disorder or depression.

Monoamine Oxidose Inhibitors

• Monoamine oxidose inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Nardil, Parnate and Marplan can be used to treat social anxiety disorder or depression. This is the oldest kind of antidepressant medication.

Tricyclic

• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, Anafranil and Norpramin can be used to treat social anxiety disorder. Side effects are more numerous than SSRIs, with patients reporting drowsiness, weight gain and dry mouth as symptoms.

Risks

• MAOIs cannot be taken with certain medications like birth control pills, pain relievers and cold and allergy medication, and foods like cheese as well as drinking red wine can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Most Common Treatment

• The most common kind of medication that is prescribed for social anxiety disorder and depression are SSRIs. Although there are side effects that range from dizziness to sexual side effects, they are generally the most successfully used medications for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and depression.

Maintenance

• Frequent follow-ups with your doctor are needed when taking any medication for social anxiety disorder or depression. Sometimes, adjustment of the dose is needed, and side effects should be reported.