Home › Depression
Please wait...
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States. Regularly feeling nervous, worried, or scared in response to situations can be caused by anxiety. Depression is also one of the most common disabilities in the country among people between the ages of 15 and 44. While there are many types of depression, most depressive disorders can cause an individual to feel overwhelmingly sad or lose interest in daily activities.
Depression and anxiety are not the same, but their symptoms often overlap and one condition can lead to the other. If you are diagnosed with both conditions, there are certain medications that can help with treatment. Most commonly, antidepressants belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) drug classes are used as medication for treatment.
Celexa, or its generic version citalopram, is an SSRI that is typically used to treat depression. Research has shown that low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain can lead to depression. The SSRI drugs work by helping restore serotonin levels in the brain to elevate feelings of happiness. The medication is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased to help your body adjust to it slowly. The maximum recommended dosage per day is 40 milligrams. Common side effects associated with taking Celexa are nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness sweating and blurred vision. Celexa can rarely cause a heart condition called QT prolongation. The medication should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a doctor or it can cause mood swings, headache, changes in sleep and feelings of electric shock.
Lexapro, or escitalopram oxalate, is used to treat depression and anxiety. This medication also belongs to the drug class SSRIs that elevate serotonin levels in the brain to reduce feelings of sadness, increase energy levels, and reduce nervousness. The recommended dosage of Lexapro varies according to the severity of the condition, age, and other treatment methods being used. Side effects associated with taking the medication are common to the SSRIs and include fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, and increased sweating. Lexapro may also cause a heart condition called QT prolongation. Like other SSRIs, Lexapro should not be stopped suddenly. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to take effect.
Fluoxetine, or brand-name Prozac, is used to treat depression, panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, the eating disorder bulimia, and severe premenstrual symptoms that cause irritability and depression. The dosage is recommended based on the condition it is used for, and it can be taken twice a day in the morning and at noon. Common side effects are nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, fatigue and excessive sweating. Additionally, Prozac can affect blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, so it is important to regularly monitor this if people with diabetes take Prozac. The medication starts working in one to two weeks, but it can take up to five weeks to feel the full benefit of taking it.
Fluoxetine, or brand-name Prozac, is used to treat depression, panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, the eating disorder bulimia, and severe premenstrual symptoms that cause irritability and depression. The dosage is recommended based on the condition it is used for, and it can be taken twice a day in the morning and at noon. Common side effects are nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, fatigue and excessive sweating. Additionally, Prozac can affect blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, so it is important to regularly monitor this if people with diabetes take Prozac. The medication starts working in one to two weeks, but it can take up to five weeks to feel the full benefit of taking it.
Paroxetine HRI, or brand name Paxil, is an SSRI used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The initial recommended dosage of Paxil is 20 mg per day up to a maximum of 50 mg daily. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, changes in sleep, nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, blurred vision and erectile dysfunction. If you take other drugs that increase serotonin levels with SSRI inhibitors like Paxil, it can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Paxil may take several weeks to start working and it should not be stopped suddenly even if symptoms resolve after you start taking it.
Sertraline, popularly known as brand name Zoloft, is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, post-trauma stress and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Like all SSRIs, it increases serotonin production in the brain, which reduces fear and anxiety and the frequency of panic attacks. The dosage of Zoloft is recommended based on the condition that it is taken for. Side effects associated with this medication are nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, diarrhea, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping. Zoloft may also cause a condition that affects heart rhythm called QT prolongation, so patients with a history of certain heart problems should discuss this with their doctor before taking the medication. Similar to other SSRIs, Zoloft should not be stopped suddenly or symptoms can suddenly worsen.
