We have all had times where depression has affected us and our ability to function. Whether a loved one has died, or you’ve had some other major life change, depression can affect you. Depression is characterized by an all-encompassing low mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Often mixed with crying and lack of motivation, depression can be a disruptive part of life. Medications for depression and anxiety are often combined. Paxil is one such medication. It was FDA approved for depression originally, but is also used to treat anxiety disorders. Paxil is taken orally can depending on how severe your symptoms are, can be taken once or twice daily. As a medication to treat depression, Paxil is only recommended for adults over 18 years of age.
Effexor is another medication for depression and anxiety. Similar to Paxil, Effexor is also an oral medication. Introduced in 1993, Effexor is the sixth most commonly prescribed anti depression medication in the United States. It is not recommended for children or adolescents. It is also used to treat panic disorder in adults. Effexor is considered better than Zoloft and Prozac, depending on the criteria used for rating. There has been no determination for best medication for depression. Depending on a person’s genetic make-up and how well you tolerate certain medications, any one of several medications may work for you. If you suffer from manic depressive disorder or bi polar disorder, some of these may work for you as medication for manic depression.
The most popular natural depression medication is St. John’s Wort. In research studies, St. John’s Wort had similar efficacy to standard antidepressants. The side effects in St. John’s are also lower than in prescription medications. It is tolerated generally well with limited adverse reactions. If you are unsure, contact your physician or healthcare provider about St. John’s Wort. Paxil, Prozac and Effexor round out most depression medication list for health insurance companies. You doctor will know which of anti depression medication is the best for you. Be Healthy!