Depression & Anxiety Solutions: Zoloft, Lexapro or Prozac

It is a very common condition and it is estimated that it affects over 19 million American adults and over 5 million children and teens each year. The reason why women are twice more likely to suffer from depression than men us not yet known.

There are several types of depression:
 

Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme fluctuations of mood that are commonly referred to as 'mania' (ups) and 'depression' (downs). During the manic period, patients are experiencing increased energy, euphoric mood, extreme irritability, racing thoughts or aggressive behavior. The low periods are very similar to symptoms commonly associated with depression and the individuals are experiencing sadness, anxiety, empty mood, homelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness and loss of pleasure. Bipolar depression is one of the most common forms of depressive disorder.

Clinical / Major Depression

This refers to those individuals who consistently experience symptoms related to depression.

Mood Disorder

Mood swings are experienced by almost everyone. They should not be confused with Bipolar Disorder which is characterized by extreme fluctuations of mood that persist for weeks or months at a time.

Post Partum Depression

Postpartum depression usually occurs after pregnancy and labor. This disorder is probably caused by:

• physical stress of childbirth
• changes in hormonal levels
• the responsibility of caring for a new baby

Postpartum depression may last for weeks, months or even years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a common form of depression that patients experience during a particular time of year. In most cases, depressive episodes are happening during the Fall and Winter months.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a long-term, but less common form of depression. Although dysthymia may not be strong enough to disable a person, the symptoms experienced may keep a patient from functioning normally.

Symptoms include:

• depressed mood during the course of a day, or for subsequent days (2 - 3)
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• chronic feelings of hopelessness, negativity or pessimism
• low energy and self-esteem
• physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, lethargy or problems with the digestive system

Cyclothemia

Cyclothemia is a mild form of manic depression that involves bipolar swings - hypomania alternating with mild bouts of depression. Individuals with depression often experience psychological, emotional and physical distress as a result of their feelings. There are periods when they are feeling up and periods when they are feeling down, but these down periods last for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time.

Anxiety disorder

Although there are many different forms and definitions of anxiety disorder, the general definition of anxiety is that it represents a vague, unpleasant and sometimes debilitating emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some misfortune. The fact is that, although many people suffer from anxiety in certain situations, the reasons for this are generally difficult to identify. No one really knows for sure what is causing the anxiety. Several studies have shown that when a person is feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, the brain may be releasing or absorbing  chemicals either too rapidly or too slowly.

Anxiety, once diagnosed, can have many different symptoms, including

• sleeping troubles
• specific obsessions over stressful topics
• difficulty thinking about anything besides a stressful topic
• feeling tense, restless, jittery, or dizzy.
• having trouble concentrating
• fluctuations in appetite
• being overly cautious
• being startled easily
• having an omnipresent feeling of impending danger or disaster.

There are several types of anxiety disorders and the most common are:

• Anxiety Attacks / Panic Attacks
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Panic Anxiety Disorder
• Social Phobia
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)

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.