Depression and anxiety are two different forms of mental health disturbance with distinct symptoms. However, MayoClinic.com notes that the presence of both types of disorder may prevail, with one disorder potentially triggering symptoms of the other. Anxiety symptoms often include intense fear or worry over uncontrolled events, physical responses such as an increased heart rate and trembling or significant distress and irritability. Depression symptoms may involve intense feelings of sadness and disdain, changes in sleep or appetite and decreased interest in daily activities that were once enjoyed. Differing levels of each disorder depend on the internal and environmental stress faced by the person experiencing symptoms. In many cases, medication intervention is needed to alleviate the discomfort of living with either or both disorders.
Sertraline, Escitalopram and Paroxetine
Drugs under the medication classification selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, effectively treat symptoms found in depression and anxiety disorders. The Insight Journal notes that the drug sertraline is used as a combination medication for treating a number of anxiety symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Sertraline, escitalopram and paroxetine are all medications used to target the chemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin imbalance causes mood disturbance and plays a role in the stress response associated with anxiety attacks. MayoClinic.com notes that these medications can have side effects such as headaches, sexual difficulties and sleep disruption.
Duloxetine and Venlafaxine
According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, duloxetine and venlafaxine are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, and they have a dual action on chemicals in the brain. These SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine to promote improved mood and reduce fear or worry. MayoClinic.com also notes that venlafaxine is an effective antidepressant that works when most other forms of depression medications do not. Duloxetine also has the added benefit of relieving the physical sensations of pain associated with severe depression. Side effects of these medications include: nausea, constipation and minor increase in blood pressure.
Amitriptyline and Imipramine
Older medications such as amitriptyline and imipramine are used in treating symptoms for anxiety and depression. However, this class of medications, termed tricyclic antidepressants, is known to cause significant side effects such as drops in blood pressure and blurred vision. The benefit of these medications is how they work to immediately target the chemicals of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MayoClinic.com explains that these medications are typically used with a combination of other drugs in low dose to increase the anti-depressant benefits. Careful use of these medications is suggested because overdose is possible.
