Many people experience anxiety and depression as co-existing conditions. Medicine works effectively for each disorder or when patients suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. Medication includes antidepressants, which may be prescribed in conjunction with anti-anxiety drugs, stimulants and other medications, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Patients usually take medication as part of their treatment with psychotherapy.
Identification
People with generalized anxiety disorder, which causes excessive worry that can disrupt their lives, may also suffer from depression or substance abuse. Depression, characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness along with low energy and difficulty concentrating, often includes anxiety as a co-existing condition. Other anxiety disorders that co-exist with depression include post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, and panic disorder, the NIMH says.
Types
Fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline are among the medications prescribed for depression and anxiety disorder. They fall under the latest class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, called SSRIs. The drugs help treat OCD, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Venlafaxine works for depression and generalized anxiety. Venlafaxine and duloxetine are drugs closely related to SSRIs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, known as SNRIs.
Function
SSRIs, SNRIs and other medications for anxiety and depression help alter brain chemistry to improve moods for patients. Neurotransmitters serotonin, which works on emotional states, and norepinephrine, an adrenal hormone, usually become reabsorbed by the brain after performing their functions. SSRIs and SNRIS block this process so more serotonin and norepinephrine are left to continue working on a patient’s emotions, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
Effects
The new classes of drugs have fewer side effects than older drugs. But medication is usually prescribed according to each patient’s needs and improvement. Some patients may still benefit from older medications such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. Imipramine, a tricyclic, may work effectively for generalized anxiety and panic disorder. Clomipramine is used to treat OCD. Phenelzine and tranylcypromine are MAOIs that may be prescribed for panic disorder.
Side effects of tricyclics may include dizziness, drowsiness and weight gain, but readjusting the dosage or medication may prevent the effects. MAOIs have more serious side effects, including a sharp increase in blood pressure, when combined with certain foods or medicines, the NIMH says.
Considerations
Anti-anxiety medication, such as clonazepam and buspirone used for generalized anxiety, may be used in combination treatment with antidepressants for people also experiencing depression. However, anti-anxiety medication does not seem to work when taken alone for depression, according to the NIMH. Different combinations of medication and readjusted doses can be routine during the beginning of treatment. Patience may be needed because it often takes several weeks or longer for the medications to reach their full effect and to find the right medication.
