Which Anti-Anxiety Medication Is Right For Me?

When working with a patient through a cognitive behavioral therapy approach, these typically take 5-25 sessions, as opposed to other therapy types. When using CBT to overcome alcohol abuse disorders, people typically discuss ideas like work, family, social life, and drug issues, including but not limited to alcohol, cravings, goals for therapy, and more. About 20% of people develop best antidepressant for anxiety and depression discontinuation syndrome following an abrupt stoppage of or marked reduction in the dose of an antidepressant after taking it for one month. Discontinuation symptoms can include anxiety and depression, which mimics depression relapse. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They are no longer usually recommended as the first treatment for depression because they can be more dangerous if an overdose occurs.

However, some clinicians question the validity of such research. It’s important to speak with a doctor to understand the risks and benefits of any medication for a child. There are also several kinds of medications (and brands) within each class. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in things and activities you once enjoyed. It can also cause difficulty with thinking, memory, motivation, eating and sleeping. You might only start seeing your symptoms improve after a few weeks of taking them.

Depression and anxiety are two different mental health disorders that are often comorbid. Some medications widely used to treat anxiety in children are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that use. However, extensive research often supports their safety and effectiveness in treating anxiety, even without formal FDA approval. When antidepressant treatment is stopped, it should be done during periods of low stress, not when the child might be expected to be most anxious. For example, kids shouldn’t stop taking antidepressants at the start of a new school year or when they first leave for college. SSRIs are not addictive, but a child who stops taking them abruptly can experience withdrawal-like symptoms.

SSRIs are considered first-choice medications for treating depression. These medications are believed to work by raising the amount of serotonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate mood, in the brain. While effective for treating depression, they can take up to 6 weeks to kick in. In general, SSRIs are considered the most well-tolerated antidepressants, per the Mayo Clinic; they typically have fewer side effects than other types and can be safely used at higher doses. Common side effects of SSRIs include sexual dysfunction, weight gain, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.

The SNRIs may be less frequently prescribed for childhood anxiety because they can have a slightly higher rate of side effects, since they work on two different neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Primary care physicians (PCPs) and psychiatrists commonly prescribe antidepressants. The main risk for the fetus due to antidepressant exposure is the possibility of birth defects (congenital conditions). This risk is generally very low, but certain antidepressants are more likely to cause issues than others. If you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome or overdose or are having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.