Treatment of anxiety and depression

Anxiety treatment options can be broken into various groups that include:

• Alternative Medicine- herbs such as St. Johns Wort, Valerian Root, Kava Kava, Passion Flower, Ashwaghanda Root …
• Mental Health Therapy
• Prescription Medications – Zoloft, Lexapro and Prozac

Zoloft

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for oral administration. Sertraline hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in water, Isopropyl alcohol, and sparingly soluble in ethanol. Zoloft acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin, allowing electrical messages to be processed more smoothly and efficiently.

Indications

Zoloft is prescribed for major depressive disorder—a persistently low mood that interferes with everyday living. Zoloft can also be used for the type of depression called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a recurring problem characterized by a depressed mood, anxiety or tension, emotional instability, and anger or irritability in the two weeks preceding menstruation. Sertraline is also used sometimes to treat headaches and sexual problems, as well as the social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder etc.

Results

Improvement with Zoloft may not be seen for several days or even few weeks. You should expect to keep taking it for at least several months.

Possible side effects

There are several side effects that may occur while using this medication. Some of the most common are:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• gas or bloating
• loss of appetite
• weight changes

Zoloft may cause weight loss in children which is why the manufacturer recommends regular monitoring of weight and growth during long-term treatment in children.
 

Lexapro

Lexapro has been proven in clinical trials to be an effective prescription medication that improves the quality and enjoyment of life for adults suffering from depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro is a member of the group of prescription drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is proven that Lexapro has better effects and lower chances for side effects than other SSRIs. When side effects do strike they tend to be less harsh.

Indications

It is typically used as an antidepressant to treat depression associated with mood disorders although it may also be used in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder and anxiety.

Possible side effects

Possible side effect that may occur are:

• constipation,
• decreased appetite,
• decreased sex drive,
• diarrhea, dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• ejaculation disorder

Prozac

Prozac (Fluoxetine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant drug used medically in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and panic disorder. What makes this drug better than others used in treatments of the same disorders? Compared to other popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Prozac has a strong energizing effect, which makes it highly effective in treatment of clinical depression cases where symptoms like depressed mood and lack of energy prevail.

Mechanism of action

Although it sounds incredible, a recent research indicates that Prozac may increase the production of new neurons (brain cells) in adult brain. It also interacts with the system of "clock genes"- the transcription factors involved in drug abuse and possibly obesity. The antidepressant, anti-obsessive-compulsive, and anti-bulimic actions of fluoxetine are presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin. Prozac is usually taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be taken regularly. 

Possible side effects

Prozac as well as the most antidepressants can cause

• nausea,
• headaches,
• anxiety,
• insomnia,
• drowsiness, and
• loss of appetite

Beside the common side effects there are some which are specific for this medication. Prozac has been implicated in serious skin rashes and vasculitis. Increased blood pressure can occur and should be monitored. Seizures have also been reported. Every patient should know that some life-threatening interactions can occur in combination with MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate.

Bottom line

The bottom line is that people are different, and some people may have more favorable results with one medication than other. Zoloft has a slightly different side effect profile that may make it more appropriate for some people than other antidepressants. On the other hand, Prozac has the strongest effects. In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders.

The fact is also that there is no way of knowing in advance which psychiatric medication will be most effective for a given person. It is important for a person to be in close communication with doctor when taking any of these medications because he would be able to discuss symptoms and side effects openly and honestly.