There are actually a lot more people with depression than the official statistics. Some of them do not go to the doctor, trying to cope with the disease on their own, especially since a mild sedative for depression can be purchased without a prescription. Many do this, trying to drink medicines that friends, advertising or pharmacists have advised them. But you can’t do this: depression is a dangerous disease, if not properly treated, it can become chronic and cause more serious mental disorders. Moreover, when prescribing drugs, the doctor takes into account many factors, because they do not affect all people in the same way.
How to properly treat depression
At the first symptoms of a mental disorder, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only a specialist knows which pills to take for depression, and in which cases you can do without them. Many try to cope on their own by taking over-the-counter antidepressants.
But like thispatients should be aware that the action of these drugs is very individual and selective. In addition, never before has depression been cured by taking pills alone. Be sure to combine medications with the right lifestyle, nutrition and psychotherapy. In many cases, only this can help the patient, and he does not need to take some medicines, especially since all sedatives have many contraindications and side effects. Therefore, the patient needs to monitor his thoughts and mood, communicate more, play sports and creativity, include in the diet products that promote the production of serotonin. In general, it is believed that any food saves from depression, but some makes it more effective. These are tomatoes, whole grain bread, bananas and cheese. In addition, do not neglect the traditional methods of treatment. Aromatherapy, massage, relaxing baths and herbal teas also help to cope with depression. But if the disease is in the middle or severe stage, then special medications are needed.
What to take for depression
Now there are many drugs designed to help a person cope with this mental disorder. All of them are so different and have such a unique effect on the patient's body that only a doctor can choose the right medication. Therefore, most of these drugs are sold by prescription. What are the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression?
- Antidepressants are the largest group of drugs for this disease. They are calledinfluence the mood of the patient, his mental state, cause an emotional upsurge and interest in life. Antidepressants for depression are the most commonly prescribed, and some of them are even available without a prescription. Among them are drugs that have a sedative effect. These are Amitriptyline, Azafen, Lerivon and others. There are also stimulant drugs - "Nortriptyline", "Imipramine" or "Fluoxytin". There are also balanced action antidepressants that do not have a pronounced sedative or stimulating effect. It's Clomipramine, Pirazedol, or Stablon.
- Neuroleptics are very common in the treatment of various types of mental disorders. But many of them are also used in the treatment of depression. These drugs relax, suppress feelings of fear and hallucinations, reduce the reaction to external stimuli and improve sleep. These include Haloperidol, Perferazine, Tiapridal, Truxal and others.
- Tranquilizers are one of the most popular but dangerous groups of drugs. You can’t take them without a doctor’s recommendation, as they are highly addictive and have many side effects. However, a drug belonging to this group can be used as a sedative for depression, since these drugs effectively relax, relieve convulsions, remove fear and anxiety, and promote sleep. They are rarely used for course treatment, since the effect is observed after the firstreception. The most famous tranquilizers are Diazepam, Elenium, Valium, Sedukesen, Lorazepam, Phenazepam and others.
- Nootropic drugs improve the blood circulation of the brain and its ability to withstand negative external factors. These drugs act on the receptors and hormones responsible for the development of depression - serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The most famous nootropic drugs include Piracetam, Glycine, Phenotropil, Noofen and others.
- Normomitiki are drugs that even out mood. They also have a calming and anticonvulsant effect. These are such drugs as "Mazepin", "Lithium carbonate", "Konvuleks", "Epial" and others.
What a sedative is for
The effect of such drugs in depression is not always effective. This is due to the cause of the disease, and with the peculiarities of its course. This state is not always accompanied by excitement. In the case of apathy, drowsiness and loss of strength, a sedative for depression can only aggravate the condition. In addition to the causes and symptoms that accompany the disease, when choosing drugs, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the organism. Such drugs act so selectively that the doctor often has to act by trial and possibly error. Associated with this is that a third of people with depression cannot be cured with common medications. In what cases canuse a sedative for depression?
If the patient is excited and aggressive, cannot fall asleep and relax, feels fear and anxiety, such medicines will help him. Sedatives are also called sedatives and slow down the psychological and physiological reactions of the body. Therefore, they help the patient cope with anxiety, relax and fall asleep. Such drugs can be conditionally divided into two groups: sedatives of natural and synthetic origin. Natural ones are made on the basis of medicinal herbs and are almost not addictive, although their action is just as effective. Most anti-anxiety medications are available from pharmacies without a prescription, but should not be taken without a doctor's recommendation.
Features of antidepressants
Their action is based on the ability to relieve tension, anxiety and longing. They normalize mood and sleep.
- One of the most popular antidepressants is Amitriptyline. Its price is quite low - from 20 to 50 rubles, but treatment with the help of a course tool, so you will need more than one pack of tablets. The effect of the drug is based on a decrease in anxiety and a decrease in motor excitation. This drug normalizes the content of the hormones of norepinephrine and serotonin, therefore it is used for sleep disorders, neuroses and emotional disorders. Amitriptyline is often used in depression treatment regimens. The price plays an important role in this, but also the fact that it is easytolerated by patients is also important. Therefore, reviews about it are mostly positive.
- "Citalopram" well regulates the nervous state of patients and has a positive effect on their mood. The drug suppresses feelings of anxiety, tension and fear, blocks panic and obsessive states, but almost does not cause drowsiness.
- Helps reduce symptoms of depression The sedative antidepressant "Desipramine", sometimes found under the name "Norpramine". It normalizes mood well and improves sleep, even has a weak analgesic effect. The drug is popular due to the fact that it almost does not cause side effects and addiction. Therefore, both doctors and patients speak well of him.
- Wider indications for the drug "Clomipramine". The price is quite high - 200-300 rubles per package, which is still not enough for a course of treatment. But the fact that, in addition to relieving anxiety, panic and tension, it helps to eliminate chronic pain makes it quite popular. The drug is used for any depressive disorders, as a sedative for neuroses, migraines and oncological diseases. Often prescribed to the elderly "Clomipramine". Although its price is high, it is affordable for many, and the drug really helps.
- Quite popular abroad, and now in our country, the drug "Fluoxetine", better known as "Prozac". The drug rarely causes side effects, and its effectiveness as a sedative in various nervous disorders is very high. It helps with depressionaccompanied by intense fear and anxiety. Patients and doctors speak well of the drug.
- In severe cases of panic disorders, Paroxetine is also used. The instruction recommends prescribing it for depression, accompanied by anxiety and fear, for various phobias and panic, even for suicidal disorders. It is also a rather expensive drug, especially since its effect, like most antidepressants, manifests itself after 2-3 weeks of use. But still, patients suffering from depression often use the drug Paroxetine. The instruction recommends taking it in the evening, as it has a pronounced sedative effect.
Tranquilizers
These drugs are often prescribed as sleeping pills for those who cannot sleep. And with depression, tranquilizers perfectly help to cope with anxiety, relax and calm down. Most of them act within half an hour after taking, so they are used during panic attacks or a nervous breakdown. The most popular drugs of the benzodiazepine group are Phenazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Tofizepam and others. Some of them are better known by other names: Seduxen, Relanium, Valium.
They all relieve tension, relax and help you fall asleep. Such drugs are indicated for anxiety, anxiety and panic. Often even he althy people use them as sleeping pills, which cannot be done withoutdoctor's recommendations, as they are quickly addictive. But anyway, it is believed that the best sedative is Relanium or Phenazepam. Tranquilizers of other groups - "Buspirone", "Gedokarnil", "Mebikar", "Amizil" and others, have a similar effect and are also used for anxiety, sleep disorders and muscle spasms. All such drugs cause drowsiness and relaxation, and also have many side effects, but they have a lot of positive reviews.
Other sedatives
1. The herbal medicine "Gelarium Hypericum" has few side effects and is almost non-addictive. But just like synthetic antidepressants, it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and irritability, relieve tension and improve mood.
2. "Glycine" is a rather weak but effective sedative drug. It is inexpensive and well improves mood and normalizes sleep due to the effect on metabolism and blood circulation in the brain.
3. In recent years, it is believed that the best sedative is Afobazol. It has virtually no side effects and is not addictive. And its ability to effectively relieve anxiety and tension, normalize sleep and improve mood, makes it so popular.
4. For many years motherwort has been used as a sleeping pill. The sedative is quite effective and safe. And now heIt also comes in tablet form, making it more convenient to take.
The best sedatives for women
Depression affects both sexes almost equally. But women are a little more likely to experience anxiety, fear and mental arousal and go to the doctor about this. Therefore, psychotherapists are more likely to prescribe a sedative for women. Postpartum depression is quite common. At this time, a young mother needs psychological help, and often special drugs. But not every sedative for lactating women can be used. Many of these drugs pass into breast milk and adversely affect the baby. Therefore, a woman or her family should definitely consult a doctor who can choose the right drug. In mild cases, it is enough to take decoctions of herbs: chamomile, valerian, motherwort or mint. It is also acceptable to use homeopathic or herbal sedatives. The doctor may advise:
- "Novopassit", which quickly relaxes tense muscles, relieves anxiety and fear;
- instant tea "Hipp" in granules, which is a mild sedative;
- "Valerian" in tablets, because it soothes well, but does not harm the child;
- "Persen"; this remedy is also a fairly safe homeopathic sedative.
No, even seemingly harmless, drugs should not be taken without consulting a doctor. In moreIn severe cases of depression, a synthetic nursing sedative may sometimes be prescribed. Such antidepressants are used when the danger to the mother's he alth is greater than the risk to the baby. Many modern drugs practically do not penetrate into breast milk: "Nortiriptyline", "Fluoxitin", "Venlafaxine" or "Sertraline".
Side effects from taking these drugs
Usually the negative effects are the same for different groups of drugs for depression. But they do not appear in all patients. If taking the drug causes any side effects, you should stop taking it and consult your doctor about changing the medication. What can the patient feel? Reactions can be as follows:
- nausea, dry mouth, stomach pain or upset stomach;
- insomnia, anxiety or irritation;
- drowsiness, tiredness or weakness;
- sweating, hives and itching;
- vision and hearing impairment;
- headaches or dizziness.
One of the most dangerous side effects is addiction to sedatives. It leads to the fact that the patient requires an increasing dose, and without the medicine he cannot sleep and constantly feels anxiety. But this effect is observed mainly in those who do not follow the doctor's recommendations and exceed the dosage of the medicine.
Folk sedatives
Used for depression and various home, non-drug treatments. Especially theyeffective in the early stages of the disease. But even with prolonged depression, they can be used in conjunction with medications. The most famous are such folk sedatives:
1. Drinks based on medicinal plants. You need to drink them like tea, and the patient should like them to taste. These include:
- citrus elixir with a good relaxing effect; it is made from freshly squeezed orange juice, which is poured over crushed lemon balm leaves;
- decoctions and infusions of St. John's wort, effective against depression;
- chamomile tea, decoctions of mint or motherwort soothe well.
2. Relaxing baths can be taken every other day before bedtime. Water should not be hot, comfortable for the patient. Here are some common bath formulas:
- fresh pine branches, cones and needles are boiled well for 40 minutes, and then insisted for half a day; the strained infusion is poured into the bath;
- useful baths with a decoction of ginger, lavender or rosemary;
- soda baths are good for relaxing.
3. Listening to music can cure depression for many. Moreover, you can listen to both special works and favorite ones for the patient. The music of Mozart and other classical works has a particularly healing effect. In addition, experts advise depressed patients to sing more.
4. Aromatherapy also proves to be very effective in treating depression. Favorite aroma, reaching the brain, has a relaxing and soothing effect. The most popular scents are jasmine, geranium, rose,chamomile and sandalwood.
How to take sedatives correctly
These drugs are used only on prescription. But even in this case, you need to know the features of the use of antidepressants and tranquilizers.
- They should not be taken if there are disorders in the liver, kidneys and heart.
- Most of these drugs are taken in long courses. It is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor and make sure that the medication is taken without gaps and every day at the same time. It is especially important to gradually withdraw the drug, otherwise withdrawal symptoms may occur, which are very unpleasant and often even more dangerous than the depression itself for which this medicine was prescribed.
- Some antidepressants can lead to suicidal thoughts, excessive aggressiveness and hostility. These drugs are especially likely to affect children under the age of 18. At the first appearance of such symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
- Patients who need to be more attentive during the day, for example, due to the specifics of work or the need to drive a car, it is better to take sedatives that do not cause drowsiness.
- While taking most antidepressants, you should refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.
- No drug can alone cure a patient of a depressive disorder. Antidepressants only relieve some symptoms and help a person control their emotions. But you need to know that for a successful outcometreatment, you need to work on yourself, change your lifestyle and diet, and visit a psychotherapist.
