Antidepressant Treatment Of Anxiety

Antidepressants are basically a type of medicines for the treatment of mental depression. The antidepressants generally change the composition of neurotransmitters in the brain. Antidepressant drugs can be classified on the basis of how they work and affect the chemicals presents in the body, which are the main cause of depression. Depending on the chemicals, the antidepressants can be classified in the several classes.

One of the main causes of mental depression is the reduction of a cellular chemical called serotonin, which are consumed by pre-synaptic neuron. Serotonin is used by brain to send the various signals to neurons. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs actually prevent the consumption of the chemical serotonin, and thus maintain high level of serotonin concentration. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs include paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline. Herbal remedy of mental depression increases its production in the body and thus reduces depression.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor or MOI reduce the intensity of mental depression by blocking the monoamine oxidase enzyme in the body. MOIs are effective in the treatment of mental depression as they have some serious side effects. People taking MOIs have to be careful with their daily diet and must avoid the intake of alcohol. Augmenter drugs are the combinations of one or more drugs such as buspirone, tryptophan and tranquillizers, sedatives. Sedatives and tranquillizers are helpful in curing anxiety and depression, but they are addictive. Therefore, these are used very rarely. There are several newer mechanisms used as antidepressants.

About five proven antidepressants are there, which can not be included in any of the above categories. These antidepressants are; Bupropion, which is used in the treatment of severe and seasonal mental depressions. This chemical should not be used in case of epilepsy and eating disorders. Also should never be prescribed to individuals less than 24 years of age as it increases the suicidal attempts. Nefazodone is helpful in curing mental depression, but is harmful for the liver. The sustained use of nefazodone can lead to liver transplant or even death in some severe cases. Venlafaxine is used in the treatment of panic disorder, anxiety disorders and clinical depression.

However, Venlafaxine also has side effects, which includes the attempt to suicide by the sufferer. Mirtazapine is used in the treatment of moderate as well as severe anxiety attack and depression. The side effects of mirtazapine are weight gain and drowsiness. Mirtazapine is safe even if it is overdosed by mistake. Trazodone is used in the treatment of anxiety and severe depression. Trazodone can also be used in eating disorders and panic attacks. There are also antidepressant therapy sessions that the doctors could guide people with, to help them cope with their state. This will aid people to overcome the low point in which they are in and calm them physically until everything comes back to normal.

If people are just starting to feel the depression or anxiety, or if they are into the healing stage, there are recommended relaxation techniques and exercises to help maintain their balance and focus.

And lastly, for those people who suffer from depression and anxiety, should watch out what they eat because there are chemicals that trigger such emotional disorders.

• John Palsson
• 20/12/2008, 10:59 PM
• 0 Comments