Medicines / Pharmacologic Treatment
1. SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reupotake Inhibitors) – SSRIs are a group of antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for patients experiencing depersonalization symptoms. Listed below are some of the most common brands of antidepressant SSRIs.
Samples: Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac
Although this group of medication is specifically catered to treat depression episodes, it has been found useful in relieving depersonalization symptoms as well. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in cells appears to have a relationship with the appearance of depression. When serotonin levels in the blood drops, the symptoms associated with depression would surface. Through inhibiting the cellular uptake of these chemicals, the level of serotonin in the blood would rise to normal levels again. It appears to help in depression, anxiety, depersonalization and other diseases as well.
While SSRIs are some of the most prescribed pharmacologic agents against depersonalization, many people who take this therapy report side effects. They can range from sexual dysfunction, numbness and oddly, an increased episode of the depersonalization as well. SSRIs typically show changes in around one or two months of regular use.
2. TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressants) – TCAs are another group of medicines against depression are also used in treating depersonalization as well. It is one of the earliest discovered pharmacological treatments against depression. Its mechanism of action on the cell is closely similar to SSRIs in its end goal of increasing serotonin on the bloodstream.
Samples: Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Imipramine
This drug is commonly prescribed for depression that does not have significant treatment from newer medications like SSRI and also used in the treatment of chronic pain. The side effects associated with TCAs are extensive that is why it is no longer much in use today. Side effects include drowsiness, unusual heart rate and rhythm, a blunting of emotional affect and low blood pressure. The rebound effect of discountinuing this type of antidepressant also has a variety of undesirable effects.
3. Anticonvulsants (Anti epilepsy or anti seizure medicines) – Anticonvulsants are also included in the arsenal of medications to help fight off depersonalization.
Samples: Clonazepam, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital
These medicines work by making the neurons (nerve cells) less excitable, the culprit behind the uncontrollable firing of neurons that lead to seizure episodes. By inhibiting this excitability, antiseizure meds are able to control epilepsy. Its role in the treatment of depersonalization is not fully understood but. Desirable effects against depersonalization may take a few weeks to months.
4. Opiod Antagonists or Opiod Receptor Competitors – Opiod receptor antagonists were primarily made to reverse the life threatening effects of opiods, a strong type of pain reliever.
Samples: Naloxone, Nalterxone
Apart from its primary purpose of saving people who suffered from intentional or non intentional opiod drug overdose, it has found a new purpose in relieving the symptoms that depersonalization is associated with.
Untradtional Treatments - Herbal medicines, Supplements and other Non pharmacologic Remedies forDepersonalization
• A game or other distraction techniques
by oblivious demise
“When I am occupied with a game or work, I find that the feelings of reality are ignored or lessened.”
• Deep breathing
by lesleypumpshaft
“My derealization experiences occur along with my panic attacks. To help in controlling the unsettling feelings when I derealize, I take deep long breaths. My DR subsides after a few minutes or so of these deep breathing. The symptoms from DR occur because of hyperventilation from the anxiety, in my case, a panic attack. The hyperventilation is an abnormal breathing pattern that creates chemical reactions in the body along with the DR. Hence, consciously controlling your breathing will be a great help.”
• DR Support groups
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“ Joining a support group about DR was a blessing to me. In this support group, I got to listen to stories of people who had or are undergoing this situation. We all took turns telling stories of our DR experiences and how we get through them. It made me feel that I am not alone. It also gave me a glimpse of hope during my darkest times because I have seen that some people experience it yet live full lives. Seeing people with similar experiences removed the fright factor. Fear of the unknown is very powerful that is why a support group that teaches you how to cope up with the conditions through their own experiences was a very helpful strategy. I have the advantage of knowing that I am not alone. After joining support groups, I find that I understand the condition better and that my DR episodes are now shorter in duration.”
• Hypnotherapy and other hypnosis self help strategies
By lesleypumpshaft “I find that hypnosis, the professional type or even the self help hypnosis books and audio guides are of great help. Sure they are not permanent cures for the condition but they can help lessen the symptoms to a great extent. You can also reread books or relisten to them for reinforcement and ay time that is convenient to you. People with DR should really try out this and see results.”
by Anna Bear
“Listed below are some things that I live with and I feel are useful tips for battling DR: - Positive thinking. All things are temporary and even this DR episode too. Try to control your anxiety because it only makes the DR worse. - Pinch yourself, eat something, hold an ice cube, take a shower – anything at all that will remind your senses that you are indeed alive. - Laying down or relaxing in a dark area. Avoid lots of bright light because it tends to make DR worse.”