Depression medication can be very beneficial and downright life-saving for people with Major Depressive Disorder. Mental health issues have steadily been on the rise, with over 70.9 million prescriptions for depression medications written in 2018. Then, the first month of COVID-19 saw the sales of depression meds increase by 21% in the United States!
It's relieving that people are getting the help they deserve. However, long-term use of some depression meds might amplify anxiety symptoms. These depression side effects are very prevalent with the use of common depression medication, Wellbutrin.
While these medications have their place in mental health treatments, they can become a gateway to more severe issues. Someone with a misdiagnosed depressive episode might develop a life-altering anxiety disorder. Let's discuss what causes Wellbutrin anxiety and what are some tips for managing anxiety and depression naturally.
How Depression Meds Cause Anxiety
Our individuality is a beautiful thing. However, it makes diagnosing and treating mental illnesses challenging.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. Doctors must take your symptoms, genetics, reactions to medicines, and possibly even brain scans into account. That's a lot of cooks in our internal kitchens, and they all influence our mental soup. Many who have received medication for anxiety and depression can attest that it can take a few tries to get the right prescription for their unique needs.
Whenever we take medication, chemical reactions happen inside. These interactions cause new compounds to develop or neural pathways to form. Mixing pharmaceuticals with our hormones turns us into a walking science experiment, and sometimes, the end result can be anxiety.
Types of Depression Medications
In general, there are two types of depression medications prescribed to patients. Their intended purposes can have significant positive effects on the mind. However, those who don't need the medicine or take too much might develop anxiety symptoms.
Both types of depression meds have unique interactions with the brain. If these are the wrong medications for your particular needs, they can potentially set off anxiety symptoms.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are intended to improve levels of serotonin in the body. This neurotransmitter is responsible for many mental health functions, including mood, focus, and sleep-wake cycles.
Examples of SSRIs include:
- Citalopram (Cipramil)
- Dapoxetine (Priligy)
- Escitalopram (Cipralex)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac or Oxactin)
- Paroxetine (Seroxat)
- Vortioxetine (Brintellix)
SSRIs prevent neurons from reuptaking serotonin as quickly. Scientists believe these depression medications assist with free serotonin circulation. Also, since the neurons aren't reuptaking serotonin, cells should produce more serotonin naturally.
Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRIs)
DDRIS work much like SSRIs. Instead, these antidepressants prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.
Commonly prescribed NDRIs include:
- Amineptine (Survector, Maneon, Directim)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
- Diphenylprolinol (D2PM)
- Fencamfamine (Glucoenergan, Reactivan)
- Lefetamine (Santenol)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Methylin)
Both of these neurotransmitters have different purposes. Dopamine is our reward hormone. It creates feel-good endorphins that we experience whenever we complete a job successfully, kiss a loved one, or finish a workout.
Those who battle depression have trouble experiencing the rewards of these positive events. NDRIs help circulate free dopamine levels to maintain motivation, focus, and gratitude throughout the day.
Meanwhile, norepinephrine is part of our fight-or-flight nature. This hormone increases our heart rate and provides the body with energy. These depression medication side effects are beneficial for a person who is lacking motivation.
However, too much norepinephrine can cause high blood pressure, elevated stress, and trouble sleeping. These are all symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Therefore, misdiagnosed or over-prescribed patients can exhibit Wellbutrin anxiety.
As we mentioned, NDRIs also influence dopamine levels. Dopamine is the same hormone that can cause alcohol addiction. Speaking of which, do not use Wellbutrin and alcohol together. Wellbutrin and alcohol can create neurological communication issues. This combination puts you at an increased risk of having a seizure.
Like alcohol, your body can develop a physical dependency on depression medications. If you showcase NDRI withdrawal symptoms, please seek medical help.
Is Wellbutrin Anxiety Real?
Have you ever watched an advertisement for a prescription medication? Then, you probably sat through a list of potential side effects the length of War and Peace proportions.
Wellbutrin is one of the many prescriptions that can cause mild to severe depression medication side effects.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a 30-page document going over the efficacy and potential side effects of Wellbutrin.
There are many benefits to using Wellbutrin for those who live with depression. However, these benefits might be offset by other mental health issues.
Most notably, the FDA warned Wellbutrin might cause:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Hostility
- Aggressiveness
- Impulsivity
- Suicidal Thoughts
Besides listing anxiety itself, many of these depression medication side effects are also associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms can mean your anxiety is worsening.
In some cases, the anxiety symptoms can be worse than depression. As reported in the extensive FDA report, Wellbutrin anxiety causes 2% of its users to stop taking their depression medications.
How to Handle Anxiety and Depression Naturally
Millions of people take medication for anxiety and depression. There is no reason to be ashamed. Finding the right depression meds can be a matter of life and death. So, never give up on getting the treatment you deserve.
For some, depression can be prevented. Others might be able to reduce their symptoms enough that medication for anxiety and depression might not be necessary. Here are some tips for handling your mental health naturally and decreasing your chances of anxiety and depression.
Be Honest When Seeking Professional Help
Our bodies will have unique reactions to different anxiety and depression meds. Many will start their first prescription full of hope. Yet, they get let down when they don't experience the benefits. Some will either stop using these pills or keep taking the inefficient drug.
Remain open and honest about how you feel along the way. While your doctor might read brain scans, they can't read brains. It would help if you verbalized the physical and mental depression medication side effects you are experiencing. There might be a better option out there for you.
Exercise
Physical activity is the most rewarding thing you can do for your body. Your body produces feel-good hormones as a reward for working out.
In fact, regular exercise can help produce dopamine. It's trying to train you to focus on healthier "addictions" like exercise rather than drugs and alcohol.
With regular exercise, you might produce adequate amounts of dopamine, potentially limiting your need for NDRIS. Then, you're less likely to experience Wellbutrin side effects, such as anxiety.
Better Sleep
Sleep is the ultimate reset for the mind. Depressed people can't dwell in their current situations while they sleep. Meanwhile, those with anxiety can't dread the future during a good snooze. Unfortunately, people with depression and anxiety are less likely to get the sleep their body truly needs.
The average person diagnosed with a mental health issue will have elevated levels of stress hormones, including cortisol and norepinephrine.
As we mentioned, norepinephrine increases our heart rate and promotes an excited state. Neither of these effects is conducive to a good night's sleep.
Adding more norepinephrine to the fire will only worsen the situation. After all, one of the potential Wellbutrin side effects was insomnia.
When we have high levels of stress hormones, our body produces less of our sleep hormone melatonin. You can offset this imbalance by using an all-natural sleep-aid like Tranquility Labs' Sleep Fast Enhanced Melatonin Spray.
This non-habit-forming formula contains botanicals that help calm the mind, including Valerian root, chamomile, and lemon balm. Sleep Fast also contains melatonin that will help facilitate healthy sleep patterns.
Furthermore, this all-natural spray is enhanced with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin. As we mentioned earlier, serotonin plays a prominent role in our sleep-wake cycles.
Serotonin also helps regulate your mood. So, a good night's rest with Sleep Fast might just be what the doctor ordered!
Don't React to Symptoms
Many depression meds don't work up until a month of use. This slow transition can dishearten people. Waiting for the changes in your mental state to happen while treating depression can easily transgress into anxiety.
Also, some people gain weight, lose their sex drive, or experience other less-than-optimal depression medication side effects. It's easy to let an unfavorable side effect of antidepressants get to you. However, these emotional responses open the door to a full-blown anxiety attack.
When you see symptoms of an anxiety attack happen, don't let it get to you. Acknowledge the symptoms and then let them pass. Implement deep-breathing techniques to help soothe the mind. Perhaps turn to a guided meditation if your thoughts are truly getting the best of you.
Do Things That Bring You Joy
Symptoms of depression and anxiety can zap the joy out of your life. You become encompassed with defeating the mental illness. In the end, these issues end up defining you. Don't let them.
Those with anxiety and depression tend to withdraw from things that make them happy. They don't want to bring down their loved ones with their negative energy. Others lose confidence in their skills and stop participating in hobbies or sports.
The people in your life and the activities you do all define you. Your mental health issues are just a small part of who you are. When you channel your energy into positive things that lift you up, symptoms of anxiety and depression are less likely to bog you down.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
We've already discussed how alcohol can be troublesome for dopamine levels. Not to mention, mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol can be catastrophic. So, you should really limit or cut out your alcohol intake completely.
Many of us are aware that alcohol is a drug and can cause physical dependency and depression. However, most are unaware that caffeine can also cause physical dependencies. Although, instead of depression, this stimulant is usually tied to anxiety.
I kicked my coffee habit in hopes of managing my anxiety. I turned to B-Vitamins, better sleep with Sleep Fast Enhanced Melatonin Spray, more water, and other small lifestyle changes.
This change in routine prompted my body to cultivate natural energy. I no longer feel the need to drink coffee to get going. Subsequently, I no longer experience the afternoon jitters and anxious nighttime rituals either!
All-Natural Supplements
Depression medication side effects can turn mental health patients off to the care they truly need. Don't let a negative experience with depression meds prevent you from finding the right mental health solution. Try taking a more natural approach while you and your doctor work on your wellness plan.
One of the most beneficial supplements for depression is Tranquility Labs' Tranquilene Total Calm. This all-natural supplement is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that promote relaxation and a positive mindset.
Tranquilene is formulated to promote natural GABA production. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It helps slow down neurons that are excited by the presence of cortisol, norepinephrine, or the misuse of NDRIs.
This all-natural formula also enhances the body's natural serotonin production. Tranquilene can help supplement the intended effects of SSRIs.
In less severe cases, Tranquilene could potentially be useful in assisting the body as it adapts to a person transitioning off their depression meds. Its ability to boost serotonin production might help decrease the severity of physical withdrawals.
Conquer Depression Medication Side Effects
Millions of people around the world deal with mental health issues every day. Please know that you are not alone. Don't let the stigma surrounding mental health prevent you from having an open dialogue with your doctor about your wellness routine. Antidepressants work when both you and your doctor collaborate together.
Make sure you are honest about how the depression meds make you feel. Try to balance these symptoms out by using all-natural supplements. Tranquilene Total Calm can help quiet the daytime noise in the head, while Sleep Fast Enhanced Melatonin Spray can set the backdrop for a peaceful night's rest.
During the daytime, do more things that bring you joy. Mental stimulation is essential for self-confidence and focus. However, your body needs physical stimulation, too. Get some exercise in and be rewarded with feel-good hormones.
Lastly, don't rely on coffee or alcohol to dictate your mood. Cultivate energy naturally through healthy lifestyle changes. The physical and mental changes alone might be enough for you and your doctor to work on transitioning you off depression meds.
Essential Takeaways:
- Depression medications can be very helpful in one's mental health wellness routine
- Many people take depression meds that don't work for them
- Wellbutrin anxiety is very common, causing at least 2% of patients to get off the drug
- All-natural supplements and lifestyle changes can lessen depression medication side effects
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