Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are malicious tricksters exhausting you with self-critical thoughts, overwhelming you with magnified threats, and feeding you feelings of isolation. But the truth is this: Anxiety and depression affect more people than you might think. You are not alone.

Around 29% of adults (74 million) in the United States report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime, while 19.1% (49 million) grapple with anxiety disorders.

You don’t have to struggle in silence and frustration. You don’t have to go through it on your own. You can access therapy or depression medication online. And you can find a holistic treatment that works.

What Are Common Medications for Anxiety and Depression?

Because depression and anxiety both encompass a broad and diverse range of diagnostic classifications, treatment plans vary. This is why reaching out to an established and experienced psychiatry provider is a crucial first step.

Peak Wellness, for example, takes a patient-centric and holistic approach to treating mental health conditions. Whether it involves psychotherapy, medication treatment for depression, or a combination of both, you can rest assured that your comprehensive treatment not only works—it works specifically for you.

Here are a few of the most common medications for anxiety and depression prescribed and managed by qualified healthcare providers:

  • Antidepressants
    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro)
    • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline
    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine
  • Anti-Anxiety Medications
    • Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and diazepam (Valium)
    • Buspirone
  • Atypical Antipsychotics
    • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Beta-Blockers
    • Propranolol

Medication Treatment for Depression: What Are Its Side Effects?

Side effects can vary depending on the specific class of medication. It’s important to note that individual responses to drugs differ, and not everyone will experience the same side effects.
Here are some general side effects associated with common medications for anxiety and depression:
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Weight Changes
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Jitteriness
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Dry Mouth
  • Increased Blood Pressure
  • Dry Mouth
  • Blurred Vision
  • Constipation
  • Blurred Vision
  • Urinary Retention
  • Drowsiness
  • Dietary Restrictions Due to Potential Interactions
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Weight Gain
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Memory Issues
  • Risk of Dependence With Long-Term Use
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Weight Gain
  • Drowsiness
  • Metabolic Changes
Not all side effects are adverse or harmful, though. In some instances, certain medications are intentionally prescribed because of their side effects.
For example, medications that have drowsiness as a side effect can be beneficial for individuals who have anxiety-related insomnia. Medicines that affect one’s appetite and lead to weight loss or gain can also benefit individuals with specific eating patterns.

Experience Freedom From Depression In Your Own Space

Openly discussing your questions, concerns, and medication side effects with your provider is an essential part of receiving care. They can use this information to monitor your response to the treatment plan, make necessary adjustments to it, or explore alternative options.

Peak Wellness ensures every patient can quickly and conveniently have healing conversations with their providers—even from the comfort of their homes.

With our easy-to-use and HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry services, you can go through evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment with your psychiatry provider without dealing with stressful commutes and schedule conflicts. Book your appointment today!

prescribed medication for depression
prescription for depression

Take the First Step Toward Healing With San Diego’s Leading Psychiatry Practice

Taking the first step toward emotional balance and mental well-being is a difficult but necessary part of the process. It involves recognizing the symptoms of depression and understanding that professional help may be necessary.

Start by partnering with compassionate psychiatry providers who walk the extra mile with you on your journey to recovery—from engaging in teletherapy to prescribing major depressive disorder medication.

Here at Peak Wellness, our San Diego-based psychiatry nurse practitioners use their years of experience to give you the compassionate and comprehensive treatment you deserve. Get the therapy and medication treatment that works for you. Schedule your appointment today!