. . . (serotonin in-between the cell receptors), and many depression treatments (Zoloft, for example) treat both depression and anxiety, just at different dose levels (2X - 3X higher for treating anxieties)?
In other words, why doesn’t this seemingly simple analogy hold?
A different type of receptors for anxiety vs. those for depression?
Saying a particular receptor causes depression or anxiety is quite a crude generalisation.
They only help in one way. Like if you are cold and you put on a hat, the hat HELPS, but it isn’t going to take the place of the coat, gloves a scarf now is it? Also, just because affecting certain receptors helps doesn’t mean that those receptors are even the cause of the disease itself.
In my opinion, ECT is a very crude and barbaric treatment that is only allowed because as a society we think less of mental patients.
Most of the times a patient having anxiety disorder is prescribed a SSRI. I think ideally treatment should consist of counseling , CBT , taking patients relatives in confidence and training patient about meditation and relaxation. Also adding Benzos like valium or klonopin can help immensely. I feel there is unnecessary bias against use of Benzos, they work extremely well without major side effect on short term basis, although there is possibility of addition , habituation and tolerance. What are views of experts and patients ?
SSRIs and SNRIs have shown that they are the most effective for treatment of anxiety and depression. I have had very bad reactions to both of those classes and my psychiatrist recommended to not take them again. I take a benzodiazaprine as needed. Luckily, my PTSD symptoms only come up for a month or two out of the year. It would be difficult to live like that all the time.
The problem with benzodiazaprines is that they are less effective if taken routinely. They are even less effective if taken for a long period of time. Personally, I find them to be helpful for a week or two and then not helpful. My psychiatrist recommended that I start therapy and I already had before I went to see him. He asks me every time I see him if I am still in talk therapy. My therapist teaches self-relaxation techniques.
Depending on the anxiety disorder, most of getting help is learning a certain level of tolerance and coping skills for dealing with the symptoms. There is no pill or therapist that can fix or cure the problem.
Hello All, I am suffering from very bad anxiety from past 6 months. I feel nervous tension and rapid heart beat before any task. Please suggest some good medication which are effective, have no side effects and not addictive?
Maybe look into some Zoloft. I used to be on it for a while, and it worked well for me, but then again.. everyone is different.
I’ve been taking anti-depressants for almost two months, and while I think they’re helping a little, they’re way too expensive ($100/month!). I’ve tried St. John’s Wort and that didn’t seem to help. What are some other, inexpensive ways to fight depression and anxiety? (If meditation or yoga, anything specific?)
I see a naturopath for treatment for anxiety and depression. Everyone is individual and do NOT mix any supplements for depression with your medication without consulting a doctor. 5-HTP helps many people with both anxiety and depression. I am going through tests to make sure that it’s not a deficiency in my body that is causing anxiety in particular. Tests such as the heavy metals in the body, Vit D deficiency, gut check: these are to make sure that it’s not something very easy to correct. I take tilia extract for anxiety, Vit C, Vit B complex, fish oils and I have a regular yoga practice, it honestly doesn’t matter which practice you start just make sure that the teacher is a good, certified teacher. You’ll find the right style of yoga in time. It’s a process. Breath work is very helpful but again a good yoga instructor could help you with specific exercises. I find Kundalini to be very helpful when I need a ‘quick fix’. There are some wonderful tapes by Ana Brett and Ravi Singh that are NOT difficult and very accessible. I do vinyasa flow as my usual practice but honestly Kundalini is great. Meditation is simple: follow your breath. Sit upright in a comfortable position, close your eyes gently and just focus on breathing in and breathing out. Try it for 5 minutes and build up. When you breath in say: breathing in. When you breath out say: breathing out (to yourself). If your mind wanders then that’s OK just keep practicing bringing it back to the breath. That’s a very simple but powerful meditation.
I would see a good naturopath if you’re seeking alternatives to medication. Regular exercise can do miracles for depression and anxiety. It releases endorphins which are necessary for us to feel good. I would be crippled with anxiety if I did not have my yoga practice, cycling and kickboxing. Best to you
If so, I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you. Also, what dosage it took for it to be effective.
Thanks!
My last dog developed a very bad case of separation anxiety - we think due to a combination of a move and age-related hearing loss. The vet prescribed fluoxetine (generic Prozac). I think we started off with 30 or 40 mg per day, and eventually went down to 20mg (for a 60lb. dog). Along with behavior modification and desensitization, it worked very well for her.
If so, I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you. Also, what dosage it took for it to be effective.
Thanks!
My last dog developed a very bad case of separation anxiety - we think due to a combination of a move and age-related hearing loss. The vet prescribed fluoxetine (generic Prozac). I think we started off with 30 or 40 mg per day, and eventually went down to 20mg (for a 60lb. dog). Along with behavior modification and desensitization, it worked very well for her.
I was put on Effexor XR and have been on lexapro in the past. Would this type of medicine be more effective since it releases norephinephrine as well as serotonin?
Depends on what type of depression you have, but in clinical trials they weren’t much different.
I went to the doctor almost 3 weeks ago to discuss weird symptoms I was experiencing. (tension headaches, heaviness in chest and throat). My doctor prescribed me 0.5mg of Ativan. It does help me sleep but I wouldn’t dare take it during the day when I look after my little one because it makes me feel very sedated. Obviously Ativan is supposed to relax you to treat the anxiety but is there anything he can give me that I can take during the day so I don’t feel so tired?
Some of the antidepressants also have anti anxiety properties. You may want to ask your doctor about this. Maybe cutting the 0.5 mg of Ativan in half will help your anxiety without being so sedating. I hope you and your doctor will find what works best for you. Good Luck.
The doctor just prescribed 50mg of zoloft to my son for social anxiety disorder. I know that zoloft is approved for people over the age of 18 with this condition. What about children under the age of 18. Isn’t 50mg a little excessive for a child. So anyone with any answers or similar experiences please let me know. Thanks so much!
I would never give a child that young medication like that. Let him be a kid. Don’t give it to him. I say get a second opinion.
