Best Medication for Anxiety and Depression

Depression is a major concern in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control estimating that it affects 16 million Americans every year. Anxiety is also a concern, and the National Institute of Mental Health believes that around 31.1% of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, with generalized anxiety disorder being the most common.

Treatment for these conditions can often include medication. However, finding the best medication for anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, but there are various treatment options for people with depression or anxiety.

How Do Anxiety And Depression Affect Daily Life?

Anxiety and depression can impact your thoughts and your body. They might change your mood, make it difficult for you to sleep, drain your energy, and make day-to-day life incredibly difficult. 

Key Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are more than feeling worried now and then. There’s often this persistent nervousness or a sense of dread that lasts, even when nothing obvious is wrong. It can make it difficult to concentrate or make choices.

Common anxiety symptoms include:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Muscle tension or shakiness
• Racing thoughts
• Panic attacks with chest pain or shortness of breath
• Trouble sleeping

Key Symptoms of Depression

Depression affects how you think, feel, and go about your day. You might feel down most of the time, or empty. You may also find it hard to derive joy, even from things that you used to enjoy.

Appetite and weight can both be affected. Some people eat more, others lose their appetite entirely. You might feel slowed down or restless and unable to sit still.

Depression can affect your cognitive abilities by reducing concentration, impairing decision-making, and allowing persistent negative thoughts to dominate. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness may become overwhelming.

Common depression symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions

How Medications Treat Anxiety and Depression

The best medications for anxiety and depression work by affecting the brain chemicals that shape mood, energy, and the way you think. The right approach depends on the specific drug, your symptoms, and how your body reacts.

It’s important to note that these depression and anxiety medications may not work immediately. It often takes a few weeks to notice changes, since your brain needs time to adjust and build new connections, and finding the right dosage may require trial and error.

Which Factors Guide A First-Line Prescription?

When you’re beginning treatment of depression or anxiety, doctors usually lean toward medications that help balance mood-related brain chemicals. In most cases, SSRIs and SNRIs are often the best medications for anxiety and depression and are a first-line treatment.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs raise serotonin levels by blocking its reabsorption, which can lift mood and ease anxiety. They’re a common treatment because they’re generally effective and most people tolerate them pretty well.

Side effects may include nausea, headaches, or sexual dysfunction. SSRIs are prescribed for both depression and anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and OCD. 

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs work on both serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps with mood and energy. They can be a good choice if you’re dealing with fatigue or chronic pain along with depression or anxiety.

You might notice sweating, higher blood pressure, or an upset stomach. Venlafaxine, especially at higher doses, is known for raising blood pressure.

3 Alternative Best Medication for Anxiety and Depression

There are times when SSRIs and SNRIs may not work, or the side effects are too unpleasant. There are other antidepressants out there with different ways of working, and they might be a better treatment option depending on your needs.

1. Atypical Antidepressants

Atypical antidepressants affect dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in their own ways. This includes bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and trazodone.

Bupropion boosts dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s often used if you’re tired, unfocused, or having sexual side effects from other medications. However, it can make insomnia worse, and at high doses, there’s a risk of seizure.

Mirtazapine increases serotonin and norepinephrine, but also may heighten appetite and help with sleep. 

2. Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are older medications that affect serotonin and norepinephrine. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and imipramine.

TCAs can help with depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain, but they have a variety of side effects. Dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, weight gain, and drowsiness are all possible. At higher doses, they can affect your heart rhythm.

3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) increase serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by blocking the enzyme that breaks them down. Examples of these include phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), and selegiline.

Significant side effects can include dizziness, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Because of all this, MAOIs are usually saved for extreme cases, such as treatment-resistant depression, and require close supervision.

Medications for Acute Anxiety and Special Cases

At times, quick relief may be necessary, particularly when specific triggers do not respond to even the best medications for anxiety and depression. In such cases, different medications are available that provide faster-acting support for acute anxiety or offer more targeted effects tailored to individual needs.

When Are Benzodiazepines Considered Appropriate?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that increase the calming effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. They’re often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or being emotionally-overwhelmed.

Some medications used include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax): Often for panic disorder.
• Lorazepam (Ativan): Good for short-term anxiety relief.
• Diazepam (Valium): Sometimes for muscle tension and anxiety.
• Clonazepam (Klonopin): Used for panic disorder and social anxiety.

You might be told to use benzodiazepines while waiting for longer-acting medications (like SSRIs or SNRIs) to take effect. This gives you relief without relying on them as your main form of treatment.

Non-Benzo Options For Ongoing Anxiety Management

Buspirone (Buspar) is a non-benzodiazepine that eases anxiety by working on serotonin receptors. It doesn’t lead to dependence, so it’s more viable for long-term use, but it may take time for you to notice changes.

Beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) aren’t used to treat anxiety itself, but they can help with the physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, shaky hands, and sweaty palms, which can be especially problematic if you’re struggling with performance or social anxiety.

Considerations and Side Effects of Medications For Depression Or Anxiety

When you’re on medications for depression or anxiety, you might notice changes that show up in daily life or even linger for a while. Some side effects are barely noticeable, others can persist and may require an adjustment to your treatment plan.

Common Side Effects

Most common medications for anxiety or depression bring a mix of physical and emotional side effects. The details depend on the drug, but common ones are:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Insomnia or drowsiness
• Sexual dysfunction
• Weight changes

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

If you stop antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications suddenly, you could get withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Anxiety or irritability
• Flu-like symptoms
• Trouble sleeping

Addressing Dependence and Safety

Some medications, especially benzodiazepines, can lead to dependence if you use them for an extended period. You might notice you need higher doses or feel as if you’re unable to function properly without them.

There are other safety things to watch for, like serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious reaction when serotonin levels get too high, often from mixing medications. Symptoms can include agitation, sweating, a racing heart, and stiff muscles.

The Best Medication Used to Treat Anxiety & Depression is What Works for You

Treating depression or anxiety is incredibly important because of how severe the impact these mental health conditions can have. Severe depression or anxiety can lead to suicidal ideation, and in some cases, successful attempts.

The best medication for anxiety and depression is what works best for your unique recovery needs. However, it should be noted that medication is only part of the treatment process. At Luxe Recovery, we’ll offer you a variety of treatment options to help you overcome depression or anxiety.

We are ready to guide you through recovery, so reach out to start your healing journey.