Seasonal affective disorder treatment through medication
Posted on | May 24, 2007 | No Comments
In their search to stave off the harsh symptoms of seasonal affective disorder treatment every year, many sufferers turn to prescription medication as well as the more common light therapy. Since the disorder primarily only affects the person during the winter months, when days are notably shorter in length and much more time is spent indoors, the medication schedule is typically cyclical as well. Most sufferers find that they only have to take prescription medication for about half the year or less.
The first prescription medication to be specifically approved for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder is Wellbutrin XL, or bupropion hydrochloride extended release. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an aminoketone-class anti-depressive medication that is typically prescribed to patients as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and even smoking-cessation.
A double-blind clinical trial was conducted by Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Wellbutrin’s manufacturer. Over 1,000 trial volunteers that are afflicted with seasonal affective disorder were given either Wellbutrin XL or a placebo starting in the late autumn or early winter months, the time frame at which SAD syndrome typically kicks in. The selection process was entirely random and the treatment was halted in the spring, when symptoms typically dissipate. Out of the Wellbutrin XL users, almost 85% reported no depression compared to only around 70% of placebo users.
Another common type of medication prescribed for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder is that of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs are most commonly used to treat various types of depression and anxiety disorders so their use in treating seasonal affective disorder is not surprising. The most common SSRIs used to treat SAD syndrome are Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), and Prozac (fluoxetine).
Side effects with anti-depressants are not rare and in some cases have been known to become as consuming to the individual as the original condition being treated. Side effects of Wellbutrin XL include, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, sweating, hypertension, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, tremors, loss of appetite, and increased risk of seizure.
Treating seasonal affective disorder with medication is favored among most physicians and researchers as long as other methods such as light therapy are employed and the medicinal regimen is thoroughly monitored and regulated under the careful guidance of a physician. The multi-faceted approach utilized by most physicians comfortable with the condition of prescribing antidepressive medication plus exercise and light treatments has proven exceptionally successful in a number of seasonal affective disorder sufferers.
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