Wellbutrin or Zoloft: What anxiety medication is best for you?
When it comes to managing your anxiety and depression, there are several types of treatments that you and your doctor can explore. Below is an overview of two commonly prescribed medications, Wellbutrin and Zoloft, which work differently to control your anxiety and depression so you can get back to feeling yourself.
How are these medications classified?
Wellbutrin and Zoloft fall into two different classes of medications: NDRIs (Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors) and SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), respectively. While SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, NDRIs tend to be effective on individuals where SSRIs aren’t having their intended effect.
How do SSRIs work?
SSRIs treat anxiety depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers that carry signals between brain nerve cells.
SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons. This makes more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages between neurons. SSRIs are called selective because they mainly affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters.
How do NDRIs work?
NDRIs work by maintaining higher levels of norepinephrine and dopamine - two additional chemical messengers - in the brain. Since your brain uses these chemicals to help regulate mood, hunger, sleep, and other important processes, increased levels of these chemicals can help these processes stabilize.
Which option is right for me?
It’s important to remember that there’s no best antidepressant for everyone: each person will have a slightly different experience in their treatment. That’s why it’s important to talk with a provider and discuss your options. Many people have found success in both NDRIs and SSRIs, but sometimes it may take a bit of trialing to get the right medication and dosage that will best treat your symptoms.
Speak with a Zealthy psychiatric provider to get a personalized treatment plan.
Related: Zealthy Review - Is it Legit for Mental Health Online?
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)