The Ultimate Guide to Antidepressant Medications
Depression is a serious medical condition that can negatively impact every area of your life. If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020.
If you are considering taking antidepressant medication. This guide will provide you with an overview of the most common types of antidepressant medications so that you can make an informed decision with your psychiatric provider about which one may be right for you.
An overview of how antidepressants medications work
There are many different treatment options available for depression, and one of the most commonly prescribed types of medication is antidepressants.
Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat major depressive disorder and other conditions. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which can help to improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression.
Types of antidepressant medications
Selecting the best medication for you can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It is important to work with your psychiatric provider to find the right medication for you.
The most common types of antidepressants are SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. They are effective in treating depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Common SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.
SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are similar to SSRIs but they affect both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain disorders. Side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, and increased blood pressure. Effexor and Cymbalta are two common SNRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants are an older type of antidepressant that is not as commonly prescribed as SSRIs or SNRIs. They work by affecting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are used to treat depression but can also be effective in treating other conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic bedwetting. The use of tricyclic antidepressants in lower doses can be helpful in preventing migraines and treating chronic pain. To have more detailed information on psychiatric medications. Check Levelheaded Mind’s youtube channel here.
What is the effectiveness of antidepressants?
The effectiveness of antidepressants is often questioned by those who are considering taking them. While there are many success stories out there, it’s important to remember that not everyone will respond to medication in the same way.
There are a number of different types of antidepressants available, and each one works in a slightly different way. It’s important to work with your psychiatric provider to figure out which medication is right for you.
Keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for antidepressants to start working. Your body needs time to adjust to the newly prescribed medication and for it to begin working. Be patient while the medication takes effect. Antidepressants usually need 2-4 weeks to begin working, and sometimes up to 8 weeks to become fully effective.
Additionally, you must take them exactly as your psychiatric provider prescribes, otherwise, they won't work. You should continue your treatment during the adaptation period, stopping too early is a common cause of people not getting better and relapsing into depression.
And, if you do start to feel better, it’s important to keep taking the medication as prescribed even if you feel like you don’t need it anymore. Stopping the antidepressant medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or make your depression worse.
Antidepressants vs. self-medication
As the name implies, self-medicating involves using drugs (prescription or otherwise), alcohol, and other substances without the guidance of a doctor to deal with depression, pain (physical or emotional), and intense emotions.
As many of us are experiencing severe anxiety and distress, some may turn to substances to help us cope. You may be aware that you have a mental health problem but don’t know any healthier ways to cope. It could mean anything from drinking alcohol to using illegal drugs or other medications to help you sleep, stay focused, or even turn to food for comfort.
In the short term, self-medicating may provide some relief, but it only worsens your condition. Regular self-medication can lead to addiction, worsening mood disorders, and increased health problems, whether you turn to alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even food or cigarettes.
The first step to managing your emotions and problems is to recognize your symptoms and when and how you self-medicate. It's not a weakness to admit you have a mental health problem. No matter what problem you're facing, there are healthier ways you can cope and recover.
Therefore, if you are practicing or considering self-medication, seek professional help instead. A psychiatric provider or therapist will provide healthier treatment options after a proper diagnosis.
Finding the right antidepressant for you
Depression is a debilitating illness that can make it hard to function in everyday life. If you’re struggling with depression, you might be considering taking an antidepressant medication. But with so many different types of antidepressants available, how do you know which one is right for you?
There is no one-size-fits-all antidepressant medication. What works for one person may not work for another. There are many different types of antidepressants, and each type works differently, not to mention that each person's body may have different reactions to the medications. And your lifestyle or supplements you intake may also interfere with the medication result.
Your psychiatric provider will likely start you on a low dose and then increase the dose if necessary. They can help you understand the different medication options and how they might work for you. It's also vital, to be honest with your psychiatric provider about your symptoms. This will help them determine which medication is likely to be most effective and make the necessary changes when needed.
To know more, check the post 3 Mistakes You Should Avoid With Your Medications For Depression.
Side effects and getting out of antidepressants
There are many potential side effects associated with taking antidepressants, which can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects include:
Nausea
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Dry mouth
Constipation
Weight gain or loss
Anxiety
Agitation
Sexual dysfunction
If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it is important to talk to your psychiatric provider. They may be able to adjust your dose or prescribe a different medication. In some cases, the side effects may go away on their own after a few weeks of taking the medication.
It is also important to be aware that it can take several weeks for antidepressants to start working. If you don't see any improvement after a few weeks, talk to your doctor about increasing your dose or trying a different medication.
If you decide that you want to stop taking antidepressants, it's important to do so gradually and under the supervision of your psychiatric provider. Abruptly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Anxiety or irritability
Disturbed moods
Insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms typically occur within the first few days after stopping or significantly reducing the medications, the average duration is 6 weeks. However, in some cases, they can last up to 79 weeks.
You can learn more about withdrawal syndrome in this video Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome: Everything you need to know!
Tips to stay motivated during your treatment
If you're feeling down, it can be tough to keep up with your antidepressant medication. But it's important to stick with it, even when you don't feel like it. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:
1. Set a goal. Whether it's getting through the next week or completing your entire treatment plan, setting a goal can help you stay on track.
2. Write down why you're taking your medication. Reminding yourself of the reasons why you started taking antidepressants can help you keep going when you're feeling discouraged.
3. Talk to your doctor or therapist. If you're having trouble sticking with your medication, let your doctor or therapist know. They can offer support and advice to help you stay on track.
4. Find a support group. There are many groups available online and in person that can provide support and understanding. Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can be helpful and motivating.
5. Take it one day at a time. Some days will be better than others, but try to focus on the present and take things one day at a time.
Levelheaded Mind offers a holistic approach that puts the client first, not their diagnosis or symptoms. We believe that empowering our clients with mental health education provides them with choices that often help move them forward in their mental health care journey. If you would like to get unstuck consider scheduling an initial mental health coaching session, and level up your mental health.
