People who experience both depression and social anxiety can benefit from the same medication in many cases. Antidepressant drugs developed for depression also work successfully in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, also known as social phobia. Anti-anxiety medication may help patients with depression when combined with other drugs. Various medications help improve moods for people with depression and social anxiety. Different drugs at various doses may have to be taken to find the most effective one for each patient, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Serotonin Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are antidepressants for treating persistent symptoms of social anxiety and depression. The drugs regulate serotonin levels to help brain cells communicate better with each other, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Serotonin works to monitor emotions. SSRIs have fewer side effects than older drugs but may still cause insomnia, weight gain or sexual dysfunction. Selective and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, work on the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, involved in adrenaline, and are often prescribed for social anxiety. Some side effects may include upset stomach, insomnia, headache and sexual dysfunction. Readjusting the dosage of serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors may reduce side effects.
Tricyclics
Tricyclic antidepressants work for depression and social phobia. They are older than serotonin inhibitors but work as effectively, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Patients start at low doses and receive an increased dosage until the desired level is reached. Although side effects include possible weight gain, drowsiness and dizziness, the symptoms usually disappear with adjusted doses.
Monoamine Inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, have been available longer than serotonin inhibitors and tricyclics but are commonly prescribed for social phobia and panic disorder. Monoamine compounds contain serotonin and adrenaline. Side effects include increased blood pressure when taking particular foods, beverages and medications, such as certain pain relievers, cold or allergy medicine and birth control pills. MAOIs cannot be combined with SSRIs because of possible confusion, seizures and increases in blood pressure.
Anti-anxiety Drugs
Certain anti-anxiety medications combined with antidepressants may help some patients who suffer from social anxiety and depression. Benzodiazepines work quickly on many patients, but doctors usually prescribe the anti-anxiety drug for short-term use because it may become habit forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when the drug is discontinued, so the medication is usually tapered off. Anti-anxiety medications do not work for depression when taken alone, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
