Buspirone – This is a non-narcotic and non-addictive medication that works similarly to an SSRI, though it only affects one subtype of serotonin receptor within the brain, ultimately leading to fewer side effects.
SSRIs and SNRIs, the first-line medications for anxiety, are considered safer alternatives to non-controlled substances. Anxiety disorders are the most common group of psychiatric disorders in both adults and adolescents.
Sertraline is the safest SSRI for people with a history of heart problems. Sertraline is also considered safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and is approved for use in teens as well as adults.
SSRIs are usually the first choice medicine for depression because they generally have fewer side effects than most other types of antidepressant. As well as depression, SSRIs can be used to treat a number of other mental health conditions, including: generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
Overall, citalopram appears to be the best-tolerated SSRI, followed by fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine. The latter 2 drugs are associated with the most side effects and the highest discontinuation rates because of side effects in clinical trials.
Gail Patrick, Department of Family Medicine, University of Chicago ; Contributor Information. Corresponding author. For most patients, sertraline and escitalopram are more effective and better tolerated than other antidepressants.
Buspar® (Buspirone)
This non-addictive anxiety medication is similar to an SSRI in that it increases chemical messengers involving serotonin. Buspar only targets one subtype of the serotonin receptor, so it affects just one specific area of your brain.
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
SSRIs are the most widely prescribed type of antidepressants. They're usually preferred over other antidepressants, as they cause fewer side effects.
SSRIs aren't addictive. However, stopping antidepressant treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Work with your doctor to gradually and safely decrease your dose.
Since Zoloft is a long-term medication, there is no inherent danger in taking it for months or even years. However, since it's a mind-altering drug, it can cause dependence. When a person becomes unable to feel normal or get through the day without taking Zoloft, they've become dependent on the medication.
SNRIs tend to be more effective than SSRIs, but some people will find that SSRIs are more effective for them. A physician or psychiatrist can discuss your health history and symptoms to determine whether an SSRI or SNRI is best for you.
Citalopram (Celexa)
Citalopram appears to have the most benign side effect profile, with fewer sexual adverse effects than other SSRIs.
While both SNRIs and SSRIs are safe and effective, SSRIs are prescribed more often because they have greater efficacy in regulating mood and are typically better tolerated with fewer side effects.
SSRIs and SNRIs can be very helpful for people with generalized anxiety disorder. Both SSRIs and SNRIs work on chemical messengers (or neurotransmitters) in your brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine, which may play a role in anxiety, sleep, mood, and general feelings of well-being.
SSRIs release two chemicals in the brain that kick in at different times, causing a period of negative effects on mental health, the authors report. The first chemical is serotonin, which is released very soon after an SSRI is taken but might not lessen depressive symptoms until after a couple of weeks.
SSRIs are considered first-choice medications for treating depression. These medications are believed to work by raising the amount of serotonin — a hormone that helps regulate mood — in the brain.
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
The two most dangerous drugs of all 48 studied were the tricyclic amitriptyline (morbidity index of 345/1,000 and mortality index of 3.8/1,000) and lithium (325/1,000 and 1.3/1,000).