What are the Drug Options for Depression and Anxiety?

Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States? In fact, anxiety affects over 40 million people above the age of 18 in the U.S., or 18.1% of the total adult population. The sad part is that only 39.9% of people who suffer from anxiety ever receive any form of treatment. That's why it is important to see medicine for depression and anxiety.

When looking for the right medicine for depression and anxiety, it's a good idea to take a look at every option available. That's because each type of medicine for depression and/or anxiety can react differently. Here's a look at the top five options that are currently available.

1). Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam or Xanax is perhaps the most common perception medicine front the treatment of anxiety. While this medication is extremely effective, there is a risk that it could become addictive. Some side effects of alprazolam include drowsiness, poor concentration, and irritability. Does alprazolam work in the long term? Since this is one of the most prescribed medications for the treatment of anxiety, it can be said that it is indeed effective. Chances are that if you are seeking treatment for anxiety, you will likely be prescribed alprazolam.

2). Citalopram (Celexa)

Citalopram is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. As one of the top prescription medications for depression, this is one of the top options that you can have to treat symptoms of common depression. Like most perception medications for depression and anxiety, you will not be able to have alcohol while you are on Citalopram. Some side effects of Citalopram include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Overall, millions of people currently take Citalopram and it should be a top option for treatment.

3). Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)

Fluoxetine is available under a number of brand names including Prozac, Sarafem, and Symbyax. Known as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), fluoxetine can help with the treatment of depression as well as common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia. One of the big appeals of fluoxetine is that you are likely to experience fewer side effects than other prescription medications.

4). Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)

Paroxetine is currently available under the brand names Paxil and Pexeva. This medication is also an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). This medication is not only used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, it can also be used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks,or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of the side effects that you can experience with paroxetine can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and nervousness.

5). Sertraline (Zoloft)

Finally, there is sertraline, also known by its brand name Zoloft. This medication is also a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication can treat many types of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Some side effects of Sertraline include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.

This is a guest blog entry.