Medications
While you can easily look up medical information about these medications, such as common side effects, dosages, drug interactions, and more… here we will add over time information of individuals’ experiences of how they felt while taking the medications. Google can give you a lot of official information, but here, we will compile more ‘user experience’ information, understanding that each experience will be different and have been under unique circumstances.
Antidepressants
SSRIs
Generally, the first choice of treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. These usually have milder side effects than some other antidepressant options.
Common Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, dry mouth, headaches, anxiety, sedation, and a decrease in sexual libido. They can also cause a restless feeling and difficulty sleeping or other sleep issues such as waking in the night or nightmares.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Cipralex)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
SNRIs
These drugs treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness or anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sexual problems. Higher dosages can cause increased blood pressure.
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Levominacipran (Fetzima)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
NDRIs
Medications in this class can be used to treat depression, often used for its energizing effects, and generally used in combination with other antidepressants. It is also used to treat ADHD and as a smoking aid.
Common side effects are jitteriness and insomnia.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
NASSAs
The antidepressant available in this class is one of the most sedating antidepressants, making it a good option for those with severe insomnia or dealing with intense anxiety issues. It also stimulates appetite.
Common side effects are drowsiness and weight gain.
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Nonselective Cyclics
This is an older group with more side effects than newer drugs, so they’re not often a first choice for treatment. However, they can be a backup option when other drugs have been tried and not worked for the patient.
Common side effects include dry mouth, tremors, constipation, sedation, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, weight gain, and dizziness. Cyclics can also cause heart rhythm abnormalities so your doctor should order an ECG before you begin this medication.
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
MAOIs
These were the first class of antidepressants. They are effective but not often used, as those taking them must follow a special diet. There is, however, a newer MAOI that can be used without dietary restrictions, however it may not be as effective as the other MAOIs.
Common side effects include a change of blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing, insomnia, swelling, and weight gain.
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Moclobemide (Manerix) *this is the newer MAOI that can be used without dietary restrictions*
Anti-anxiety
SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs will also be prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. See above to reference information about these classes. Below will be listed other classes of medications used to treat anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are the most common types of anti-anxiety drugs. In comparison to antidepressants, benzodiazepines take effect incredibly quickly. In some cases, the patient will feel the effects of these medications just minutes after use, but the medications do come with substantial risks as well.
Common side effects include nausea, blurred vision, headaches, confusion, fatigue, weight gain, and nightmares. Some may experience poor coordination and memory problems.
Clonazepam (Rivotril)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Bromazepam (Lectopam)
Oxazepam (Serax)
Chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Diazepam (Valium)
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers reduce symptoms of high blood pressure and can also help with anxiety symptoms. They reduce the levels of adrenaline in the body. They cause the heart to beat more slowly and create fewer physical symptoms of anxiety, which can cause the patient to experience more calm.
Common side effects include cold hands or feet, fatigue, weight gain, lower mood or depression, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping.