Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are sometimes used as a drug treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. How effective and safe is it for controlling depression and anxiety disorder? Here is what I found after a bit of research.
What are anticonvulsants normally prescribed for?
Anticonvulsants are normally prescribed to adults for managing convulsions in people suffering from epilepsy.
How effective is anticonvulsants as a depression and anxiety treatment?
There seems to be some positive results in managing various anxiety disorders with anticonvulsants. Although it is still unclear about which mood disorders may benefit the most from this heroin withdrawal symptoms treatment. Some promising results have been obtained with people suffering from treatment-resistant unipolar depression.
What side-effects are most commonly reported?
The most commonly reported side-effects are sleepiness, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. These side effects usually decrease after a few days. Psychiatric side effects may include agitation, mania and changes in libido.
What are the possible advantages of using anticonvulsants for depression and anxiety treatment?
It appears to be helpful for people suffering from bipolar disorder that have not responded well to lithium and other drugs.
What are the possible disadvantages of using anticonvulsants for depression and anxiety treatment?
The long term side-effects of this drug treatment has not yet been established. It may also induce manic episodes in some people suffering from bipolar disorder. More studies may need to be done in future to demonstrate its effectiveness as a depression and anxiety treatment.
What are the risks associated with antidepressants?
1. Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions within the first few months of treatment.
2. Antidepressants can have other side effects.
3. Antidepressants can interact with other medicines.
4. Suddenly stopping use of antidepressants may cause other symptoms.
It is important to keep your doctor or health care provider informed about physical symptoms as well as anything that worries you while on a drug treatment for depression and anxiety.