Antidepressants Drug Database

Antidepressants Drug Database 

Depression patients should realize that depression is a chronic illness 
just like diabetes or asthma.  

People experiencing depression feel hopeless.  They may have feelings 
of worthlessness and experience a loss of interest in every-day 
activities such as work, hobbies or physical intimacy.  

Many factors can trigger depression such as: being out of work, 
serious illness, divorce, flunking out of school, loss of a loved one.
Sometimes there is no apparent factor that triggers a depression.

Fortunately, depression is a highly treatable condition.  If you are 
diagnosed with depression and you take the medications that your 
doctor prescribes, there is an excellent chance that your depression 
will fade away, like a bad dream.  

Scientific studies have determined that antidepressants work best 
when they are combined with counseling, such as seeing a 
psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other health professional 
on a regular basis.

It is essential that depressed people who are on medication do not 
discontinue taking their medication even when they feel great.  You 
need to take your medications religiously every day regardless of 
how you feel.

If you discontinue taking your medications without the advice and 
approval of your doctor, there is a good chance that you will fall into 
a tailspin and become depressed again, possibly severely, and the 
medicines may take longer to work.

Antidepressants are powerful drugs and should never be taken without 
a doctor's prescription.  You don't want to self treat depression (even 
if you are a doctor) because the consequences could be disastrous.

Use in children

Antidepressants carry a strong warning regarding their use in children
and adolescents.  This warning admonishes doctors and parents that 
" Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for 
clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior".  

If your child is taking an antidepressant you must notify the prescriber 
at once if you notice any change in his behavior.

How can drugs help depression?

The brain communicates with itself through the use of special chemicals
called neurotransmitters such as "serotonin" and "norepinephrine".  

There is correlation between the amount of these  chemicals in the  
brain and a person's mood.  Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine have not been proven to cause depression but it widely believed that 
elevation of these chemicals is associated with improvement in mood 
in depressed people, particularly when their use is combined with 
psychological counseling.

Doctors elevate these brain chemicals with the use of drugs.  

There are many different families of antidepressants available today.  The two most common groups are:

- SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)  These drugs 
ncrease the brain's level of serotonin, and are associated with an 
improvement in mood.  SSRI's have also been shown to be useful in 
the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and some forms of 
severe shyness.

These drugs come with strong warnings regarding their use in 
children.  There is data to suggest that occasionally when kids take
SSRI's some of them engage in self destructive thoughts.  

However, many times the benefits of giving your child a SSRI far 
outweigh the possible side effects.  That is a decision for you and 
your doctor.

They are generally well tolerated and effective.  Some common SSRI
side effects include: heartburn and drowsiness. They can sometimes 
produce a transient loss of appetite.  SSRI medications can have drug 
interactions.  You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist prior 
to mixing them with other medications.

Tricyclic antidepressants get their name from their chemical structure. Tricyclics were first discovered in the 1950's.  Prior to 
that, depression was commonly treated with barbiturates or shock treatment.

This class of drugs is effective in combating depression but is associated
with troublesome side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth and 
constipation.  They are also associated with weight gain and sleepiness.

Another drawback to tricyclic antidepressants is that these drugs 
are dangerous when taken in an overdose. 

For this reason, doctors usually prescribe the smallest number of pills
possible -- they do not want a patient to commit suicide by taking 
an overdose of tricyclics.

Tricyclic antidepressant medications can have drug interactions.  You
should consult with your doctor or pharmacist prior to mixing them 
with other medications.


- MAOI's (monoamine oxidase Inhibitors).  MAOI's are very effective
but have potentially life-threatening drug interactions and food 
interactions.  If you are taking a MAOI drug, it is important that you consult with your doctor before you take any other 
medicines.  Your doctor will also tell you which foods to avoid
mixing with your medicine.

SSRI's: General  

Citalopram; Drug Family: SSRI; sometimes referred to as "Celexa".
These days, nobody buys brand Name Celexa.  However, generic 
citalopram is widely available at low prices.



SSRI's: General  

Lexapro (escitalopram HBr: Drug Family SSRI - Forest Laboratories)
Lexapro is a cleaner, improved version of Celexa.  Lexapro is 
moderately expensive.  It is indicated to treat depression and 
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).  Lexapro compares favorably 
to other antidepressants such as Zoloft or Effexor.

Most people start with 10mg per day, and the doctor can go up to 
20mg per day as needed. It's also available as a 5mg tablet or a 
tasty peppermint flavored liquid for people who have a hard time 
swallowing a pill.


Luvox (fluvoxamine; Drug Family: SSRI - Solvay)
Luvox was the old brand name for fluvoxamine.  When Luvox went 
generic, people stopped buying brand name Luvox and switched over 
to generic fluvoxamine.
Fluvoxamine is useful in treating patients with obsessive symptoms.  Somehow, the fluvoxamine short circuits obsessive thought patterns, 
so a person can get these ideas out of their minds.


Paxil (paroxetine)
There are two forms of Paxil these days.  Glaxo has introduced a timed
release formulation of Paxil called Paxil CR.  It costs about three times 
as much as generic paroxetine. 

Treatments and drugs in bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you feel better. Treatment is usually guided by a psychiatrist skilled in treating the condition. You may have a treatment team that also includes psychologists, social workers and psychiatric nurses. The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications; individual, group or family psychological counseling (psychotherapy); or education and support groups.

·         Hospitalization may be needed if you are behaving dangerously, you feel suicidal or you become detached from reality (psychotic).

·         Initial treatment generally involves taking medications to balance your moods right away. Once your symptoms are under control, you'll work with your doctor to find the best long-term treatment.

·         Continued treatment (maintenance treatment) is used to manage bipolar disorder on a long-term basis. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.

·         Substance abuse treatment may be necessary if you have problems with alcohol or drugs. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage bipolar disorder.

Medications
A number of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. If one doesn't work well for you, there are a number of others to try. Your doctor may suggest combining medications for maximum effect. Medications for bipolar disorder include those that prevent the extreme highs and lows that can occur with bipolar disorder (mood stabilizers) and medications that help with depression or anxiety.

Medications for bipolar disorder include:

·         Lithium. Lithium (Lithobid, others) is effective at stabilizing mood and preventing the extreme highs and lows of certain categories of bipolar disorder and has been used for many years. Periodic blood tests are required, since lithium can cause thyroid and kidney problems. Common side effects include tremor, weight gain and digestive issues.

·         Anticonvulsants. These mood stabilizing medications include valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). The medication asenapine (Saphris) may be helpful in treating mixed episodes. Depending on the medication you take, side effects can vary. Common side effects include weight gain, tremor and drowsiness. Rarely, certain anticonvulsants cause more serious problems, such as skin rashes, blood disorders or liver problems.

·         Antidepressants. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may or may not recommend you take an antidepressant. In some people with bipolar disorder, antidepressants can trigger manic episodes, but may be OK if taken along with a mood stabilizer. The most common antidepressant side effects include reduced sexual desire and problems reaching orgasm. Older antidepressants, which include tricyclics and MAO inhibitors, can cause a number of potentially dangerous side effects and require careful monitoring.

·         Antipsychotics. Certain antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel), may help people who don't gain benefits from anticonvulsants. Side effects depend on the medication, but can include weight gain, sleepiness, tremors, dry mouth, blurred vision and sexual side effects. Weight gain in children is a significant concern. Antipsychotic use may also affect memory and attention and cause involuntary facial or body movements.

·         Symbyax. This medication combines the antidepressant fluoxetine and the antipsychotic olanzapine - it works as a depression treatment and a mood stabilizer. Side effects can include weight gain, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite and fatigue. This medication may also cause sexual problems similar to those caused by antidepressants.

·         Benzodiazepines. These anti-anxiety medications may help with anxiety and improve sleep. Examples include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Benzodiazepines are generally used for relieving anxiety only on a short-term basis. Side effects can include drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination, and problems with balance and memory.

Finding the right medication
Everyone's different, so finding the right medication or medications for you will likely take some trial and error. This requires patience, as some medications need eight weeks or longer to take full effect. Generally only one medication is changed at a time so your doctor can identify which medications work to relieve your symptoms with the least bothersome side effects. This can take months or longer, and medications may need to be adjusted as your symptoms change. Side effects improve as you find the right medications and doses that work for you, and your body adjusts to the medications.

Medications and pregnancy
A number of medications for bipolar disorder can cause birth defects.

·         Use effective birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy. Discuss birth control options with your doctor, as birth control medications may lose effectiveness when taken along with certain bipolar disorder medications.

·         If you plan to become pregnant, meet with your doctor to discuss your treatment options.

·         Discuss breast-feeding with your doctor, as some bipolar medications can pass through breast milk to your infant.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is another vital part of bipolar disorder treatment. Several types of therapy may be helpful. These include:

·         Cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a common form of individual therapy for bipolar disorder. The focus of cognitive behavioral therapy is identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive ones. It can help identify what triggers your bipolar episodes. You also learn effective strategies to manage stress and to cope with upsetting situations.

·         Education. Counseling to help you learn about bipolar disorder (psychoeducation) can help you and your loved ones understand bipolar disorder. Knowing what's going on can help you get the best support and treatment, and help you and your loved ones recognize warning signs of mood swings.

·         Family therapy. Family therapy involves seeing a psychologist or other mental health provider along with your family members. Family therapy can help identify and reduce stress within your family. It can help your family learn how to communicate better, solve problems and resolve conflicts.

·         Group therapy. Group therapy provides a forum to communicate with and learn from others in a similar situation. It may also help build better relationship skills.

·         Other therapies. Other therapies that have been studied with some evidence of success include early identification and therapy for worsening symptoms (prodrome detection) and therapy to identify and resolve problems with your daily routine and interpersonal relationships (interpersonal and social rhythm therapy). Ask your doctor if any of these options may be appropriate for you.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy can be effective for people who have episodes of severe depression or feel suicidal or people who haven't seen improvements in their symptoms despite other treatment. With ECT, electrical currents are passed through your brain. Researchers don't fully understand how ECT works. But it's thought that the electric shock causes changes in brain chemistry that leads to improvements in your mood. ECT may be an option if you have mania or severe depression when you're pregnant and cannot take your regular medications.

Hospitalization
In some cases, people with bipolar disorder benefit from hospitalization. Getting psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe and stabilize your mood, whether you're having a manic episode or a deep depression. Partial hospitalization or day treatment programs also are options to consider. These programs provide the support and counseling you need while you get symptoms under control.

Treatment in children and adolescents
Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder are prescribed the same types of medications as those used in adults. However, there's very little research on the safety and effectiveness of bipolar medications in children, so treatment decisions are based on adult research. Treatments are generally decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on exact symptoms, medication side effects and other factors. As with adults, ECT may be an option for adolescents with severe bipolar I symptoms or for whom medications don't work.

Most children diagnosed with bipolar disorder require counseling as part of initial treatment and to keep symptoms from returning. Psychotherapy — along with working with teachers and school counselors — can help children develop coping skills, address learning difficulties and resolve social problems. It can also help strengthen family bonds and communication. Psychotherapy may also be necessary to resolve substance abuse problems, common in older children with bipolar disorder.

MEDICATIONS AND DRUGS FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT

If you have bipolar disorder, taking medication is the key to reducing the frequency and severity of mood episodes, but it is not the only treatment option. Bipolar medications are most effective when used in conjunction with therapy and healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and developing a social support network. These factors can affect the amount of medication required and play an important role in managing symptoms of mania and depression without causing intolerable side effects.

Finding the right drug or drug combination can be tricky, so it’s important to work closely with a doctor who specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It’s also important to re-evaluate your medication needs every few months as the optimum dose may change over time, especially as you adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The role of medication in bipolar disorder treatment

If you have bipolar disorder, medication will likely be the foundation of your treatment plan. Medication can bring mania and depression under control and prevent relapse once your mood has stabilized. You may not like the idea of taking bipolar medication long-term, especially if you’re struggling with unpleasant side effects. But just as a diabetic needs to take insulin in order to stay healthy, taking medication for bipolar disorder will help you maintain a stable mood.

However, do not expect medication alone to solve all your problems. There are plenty of other steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce the amount of medication required. Medication is most effective when used in combination with other bipolar disorder treatments, including therapy, self-help coping strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Tips for getting the most out of medication for bipolar disorder

§  Avoid antidepressants. The treatment for bipolar depression is different than for regular depression. In fact, antidepressants can actually make bipolar disorder worse or trigger a manic episode. Try mood stabilizers first and avoid

§  Take advantage of natural mood stabilizers. Your lifestyle has an impact on your symptoms. If you make healthy daily choices, you may be able to reduce the amount of medication you need. Mood stabilizers that don’t require a prescription include keeping a strict sleep schedule, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and developing a solid support system.

§  Add therapy to your treatment plan. Research shows that people who take medication for bipolar disorder tend to recover much faster and control their moods better if they also get therapy. Therapy gives you the tools to cope with life's difficulties, monitor your progress, and deal with the problems bipolar disorder is causing in your personal and professional life.

§  Continue taking medication, even after you feel better. The likelihood of having a relapse is very high if you stop taking your bipolar medication. Suddenly stopping medication is especially dangerous. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes, even if you believe you no longer need medication. Your doctor can help you make any adjustments safely. 

Finding the right bipolar disorder medication

It can take a while to find the right bipolar medication and dose. Everyone responds to medication differently, so you may have to try several bipolar disorder drugs before you find the one that works for you. Be patient, but don’t settle for a bipolar medication that makes you feel lousy, either.

Once you've discovered the right bipolar disorder drug or drug cocktail, it may still take time to determine the optimal dose. In the case of mood stabilizing medications such as lithium, the difference between a beneficial dose and a toxic one is small. Continue taking your medication even after you feel better as the likelihood of having a relapse is very high. Frequent office visits to re-evaluate your bipolar medication needs and careful monitoring of symptoms and side effects will help you stay safe.

Learn about your bipolar disorder medication

When starting a new medication for bipolar disorder, educate yourself about how to take it safely. Questions to ask your doctor about any new prescription include:

§  Are there any medical conditions that could be causing or exacerbating my mood swings?

§  What are the side effects and risks of the medication you are recommending?

§  When and how should I take this medication?

§  Are there any foods or other substances I will need to avoid?

§  How will this drug interact with my other prescriptions?

§  How long will I have to take this medication?

§  Will withdrawing from the drug be difficult if I decide to stop?

§  Will my symptoms return when I stop taking the medication?

How often should I talk with my doctor?

During acute mania or depression, most people talk with their doctor at least once a week, or even every day, to monitor symptoms, medication doses, and side effects. As you recover, you will see your doctor less often; once you are well, you might see your doctor for a quick review every few months. Regardless of scheduled appointments or blood tests, call your doctor if you have:

§  Suicidal or violent feelings

§  Changes in mood, sleep, or energy

§  Changes in medication side effects

§  Need for over-the-counter medication (cold or pain medicine)

§  An acute medical illness or need for surgery, extensive dental care, or changes in other medicines you take

§  A change in your medication situation, such as pregnancy

Taking medication for bipolar disorder responsibly

All prescription drugs come with risks, but if you take your bipolar disorder medications responsibly and combine them with therapy and healthy lifestyle choices, you can minimize the risks and maximize your chances of treatment success.

Take your bipolar medication as prescribed

You may be tempted to stop taking your bipolar disorder medication if you're experiencing side effects. Or conversely, you may want to stop taking your pills because you feel great and don't think you need them anymore. However, stopping maintenance medication comes with a high risk of relapse. Stopping cold turkey is even more risky.

Before you make any bipolar medication changes, talk to you doctor. If you don't like the way the drug makes you feel or if it's not working, there may be other options you can try. And if you decide that medication is not for you, your doctor can help you taper off the drugs safely.

Keep track of side effects

Track any side effects you experience. Using a log, keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur, and how bad they are. Bring the worksheet to your doctor. He or she may have suggestions for minimizing the side effects. If side effects are severe, your doctor may switch you to another drug or change your bipolar medication dose.

Be aware of potential drug interactions

You should always check for drug interactions before taking another prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, or herbal supplement. Drug interactions can cause unexpected side effects or make your bipolar disorder medication less effective or even dangerous. Mixing certain foods and beverages with your bipolar medication can also cause problems.

Talk to your doctor about special precautions for the bipolar medication or medications you’re taking. You can also learn about potential interactions by reading drug labels or talking to your pharmacist.

Tips for managing bipolar disorder medications

§  Use a daily reminder/medication saver system to make sure you are taking all of the necessary medications.

§  Throw away old medications or those you are no longer taking.

§  Realize that medications work best when you are making other healthy choices. Don’t expect a pill to fix a bad diet, lack of exercise or an abusive or chaotic lifestyle.

§  Reduce or discontinue the use of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and makes recovery even more difficult. It can also interfere with the way your medication works.

Lithium: The first mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder

Mood stabilizers are medications that help control the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. They are the cornerstone of treatment, both for mania and depression. Lithium is the oldest and most well-known mood stabilizer. It is highly effective for treating mania.

Lithium can also help bipolar depression. However, it is not as effective for mixed episodes or rapid cycling forms of bipolar disorder. Lithium takes from one to two weeks to reach its full effect.

Common side effects of lithium

The following side effects are common on lithium. Some may go away as your body adapts to the medication.

§  weight gain

§  drowsiness

§  tremor

§  weakness or fatigue

§  excessive thirst; increased urination

§  stomach pain

§  thyroid problems

§  memory and concentration problems

§  nausea, vertigo

§  diarrhea

The importance of regular blood tests

If you take lithium, it’s important to have regular blood tests to make sure your dose is in the effective range. Doses that are too high can be toxic. When you first start taking it, your doctor may check your blood levels once or twice a week. Once the right dose has been determined and your levels are steady, blood tests will be less frequent.

However, it’s still important to get blood tests every two to three months, since many things can cause your lithium levels to change. Even taking a different brand of lithium can lead to different blood levels.

Other factors that influence your lithium levels include:

§  Weight loss or gain

§  The amount of sodium in your diet

§  Seasonal changes (lithium levels may be higher in the summer)

§  Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, diuretics, and heart and blood pressure medication)

§  Caffeine, tea, and coffee

§  Dehydration

§  Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

§  Changes in your health (for example, heart disease and kidney disease increase the risk of lithium toxicity)

What can I do to avoid toxic lithium levels from developing?

§  Make sure that you go for the blood tests whenever they are needed.

§  Don't suddenly change the amount of salt in your diet; it is especially important not to suddenly reduce your salt intake.

§  Make sure that you drink enough fluids, especially if you are exercising heavily or in hot weather when you will sweat more.

§  Remember that alcoholic drinks can make you lose water overall. This is particularly important to bear in mind if you are on vacation in the sun: you may feel like drinking more alcohol, and the weather may be hot so you sweat more.

§  See a doctor straight away if you get any of the physical illnesses or symptoms listed above. Always tell any doctor or pharmacist that you are taking lithium before you are prescribed, or buy, any new medicines.

Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder

Anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder as mood stabilizers. Originally developed for the treatment of epilepsy, they have been shown to relieve the symptoms of mania and reduce mood swings.

Valproic acid (Depakote)

Valproic acid, also known as divalproex or valproate, is a highly-effective mood stabilizer. Common brand names include Depakote and Depakene. Valproic acid is often the first choice for rapid cycling, mixed mania, or mania with hallucinations or delusions. It is a good bipolar medication option if you can’t tolerate the side effects of lithium.

Common side effects include:

§  drowsiness

§  weight gain

§  dizziness

§  tremor

§  diarrhea

§  nausea

Other anticonvulsant medications for bipolar disorder

Other anticonvulsants that can be used as mood stabilizers include:

§  Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

§  Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

§  Topiramate (Topamax)

Antidepressant medications for bipolar disorder

Although antidepressants have traditionally been used to treat episodes of bipolar depression, their use is becoming more and more controversial. A growing body of research calls their safety and efficacy into question.

Antidepressants should be used with caution

§  Antidepressants don’t work very well for bipolar depression. Mounting evidence suggests that antidepressants aren’t effective in the treatment of bipolar depression. A major study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health showed that adding an antidepressant to a mood stabilizer was no more effective in treating bipolar depression than using a mood stabilizer alone. Another NIHM study found that antidepressants work no better than placebo.

§  Antidepressants can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If antidepressants are used at all, they should be combined with a mood stabilizer such as lithium or valproic acid. Taking an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer is likely to trigger a manic episode.

§  Antidepressants can increase mood cycling. Many experts believe that over time, antidepressant use in people with bipolar disorder has a mood destabilizing effect, increasing the frequency of manic and depressive episodes.

Treating bipolar depression with mood stabilizers

The new focus in bipolar depression treatment is on optimizing the dose of mood stabilizers. If you can stop your mood cycling, you might stop having depressive episodes entirely. If you are able to stop the mood cycling, but symptoms of depression remain, the following medications may help:

§  Lamictal (lamotrigine)

§  Seroquel (quetiapine)

§  Zyprexa (olanzapine)

§  Symbyax (a pill that combines olanzapine with the antidepressant fluoxetine)

What should I do if I’m currently taking an antidepressant?

First, and most importantly, don’t panic! DO NOT stop taking your antidepressant suddenly, as this can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about slowly tapering off the antidepressant. The tapering process should be done very slowly, usually over the course of several months, in order to reduce adverse withdrawal effects. Only stop taking antidepressants immediately if any symptoms of mania or hypomania develop.

Antipsychotic medications for bipolar disorder

If you lose touch with reality during a manic or depressive episode, an antipsychotic drug may be prescribed. They have also been found to help with regular manic episodes. Antipsychotic medications may be helpful if you have tried mood stabilizers without success. Often, antipsychotic medications are combined with a mood stabilizer such as lithium or valproic acid.

Antipsychotic medications used for bipolar disorder include:

§  Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

§  Quetiapine (Seroquel)

§  Risperidone (Risperdal)

§  Ariprazole (Abilify)

§  Ziprasidone (Geodon)

§  Clozapine (Clozaril)

Common side effects of antipsychotic medications for bipolar disorder

§  Drowsiness

§  Weight gain

§  Sexual dysfunction

§  Dry mouth

§  Constipation

§  Blurred vision

Dealing with antipsychotic-induced erectile dysfunction

Sexual and erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications, one that often deters bipolar disorder patients from continuing medication. However, a recent study has shown that the medication Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is both safe and effective in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced erectile dysfunction in men.

Other medications for bipolar disorder

Benzodiazepines

Mood stabilizers can take up to several weeks to reach their full effect. While you’re waiting for the medication to kick in, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine to relieve any symptoms of anxiety, agitation, or insomnia. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting sedatives that work within 30 minutes to an hour. Because of their high addictive potential, however, benzodiazepines should only be used until your mood stabilizer or antidepressant begins to work. Those with a history of substance abuse should be particularly cautious.