What is the best medication for depression and anxiety?

Wow! That’s quite a request. The best med is the one that works for you. Like everyone else……
You can only know if you try them. As for the list of side effects etc, easy to find in any google search. Just put in a little work on that and start trying meds. No easy way.

@babydollz7: thank you for contacting Mayo Connect where as you can see there are many forums and boards to help answer health related questions.

In regards to mental health medication p, there are various classifications of medications with each geared to specific symptoms. Depression and anxiety can be very brand affect individuals differently. Prescribing medication requires a detailed medical history and also takes into account such things as other medications currently being used. For such reasons, it’s most advisable to discuss concerns with a medical professional in order to find a suitable solution. Doing so on one’s own could be extremely confusing.

Do you have a primary care physician? Only a qualified provider can actually write a prescription. Or you can consult https://finder.psychiatry.org/s/.

A lot of times it can take a while to find the right med at the right dose for you. Sometimes it is a cocktail of meds ( which just means more than one medication). Especially if difficult to control, multiple meds can allow for lower dosages, thus decreasing unwanted side effects.

It is often a “process”. It can take weeks or months for a specific medication to reach maximum efficacy. Repeated visits with your PCP or psychiatrist is too be expected. A good relationship with trust and accountability is paramount.

CORRECTION: the second paragraph should read: In regards to menal healh medication prescriptions......Depression and anxiety can be very BROAD and affect individuals differently.

Apologies for the typing errors

Everyone is different. Sometimes you have to try several antidepressants before finding one that works for you. I myself got lucky. The first one I tried (Zoloft) has worked well for me. I have been on and off ot several times with no major issues or side effects. The first time I was on it, my doctor told me it was a "middle of the road" antidepressant. I've found that to be true for me.

Over the years, for different reasons, I've gone off it and on two different occasions, decided to try other meds (Clonazepam and Cymbalta). My doctors suggested them because those meds offered some additional benefits and potentialy could provide relief from symptoms I developed. I didn't feel well on them and had some really bad side effects, so I went back on Zoloft. I would say that it keeps me steady. But again, everyone is different. Your best bet is to talk to your doctor about medications that they think will be effective in addressing the symptoms you're experiencing.

Has anyone had successful experience cross tapering off Paxil to Lexapro? I’m finding it very difficult as Paxil is a very difficult drug but I could not take it any more. The withdrawal is so painful. I think Lexapro will work as my Psychiatrist is carefully monitoring the small tapers. It can be crippling at times. I am 79 yrs old
maryjeandennis@yahoo.com

No one can tell you the best medication for depression and anxiety especially for you. Only your Dr and your body can. Your Dr ask you questions basically testing you, gives you the medication they think you're best suited for and after you've taken it for a couple of weeks, your body should be able to tell you whether you'd be able to take it or not because you'll have mild, moderate, or (hopefully not) severe side effects. If any, go back to your Dr so that you can either get the dosage changed or stop the medication all together. For me, my body rejects most medications.. it's happened to my great- grandmother, my grandmother, my dad, and now me so I have to keep going through different meds until I found that actually works for me & I have body dysmorphia so I can't take anything that makes me gain weight... I was on Zoloft and I gained 30 lbs on it. I'm only 5'3. Not good at all.

@maryjjeandennis what sort of withdrawal symptoms are you suffering from? What dose of Paxil,were you taking before you started weaning? What does your tapering schedule consist of?

@laura1970 I was on 40
Mg Paxil, feeling toxic. I’m now carefully tapered to 2.5 mg Paxil and 16 days on Lexapro.
Symptoms:
Anxiety diarrhea, brain zaps nausea, hand tremors, headache,, jitters, gagging . I can’t recall all of them. Restless legs and insomnia.
I’m determined to get off Paxil but it’s been a difficult experience. I have a wonderful psychiatrist. It’s taken me several months and have put in the time and will follow through. I also take Clonazapam to handle the unbearable symptoms. I’m hopeful it will soon bring me a feeling of normal. I turned down many social engagements and miss my life.
I hope this helps.
Mjdennis

@maryjjeandennis my exact taper schedule was in small increments and I should have said I am now also on 15 mg Lexapro. With the 2.5 mg Paxil I do not want to stop at that . I can use liquid Paxil to slowly taper to zero.
I need more time on 15 mg Lexapro to bring me to a therapeutic level.