Missed Or Extra Doses
It’s important not to miss any of your doses, as this could make your treatment less effective.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time to take your next dose. In this case, you should just skip the missed dose. Don’t take a double dose to “make up” for the one you missed.
You should not take more than your prescribed dose unless advised by your doctor or prescriber. If you do take an extra dose by mistake, you should check with your pharmacist or medical professional for advice, or phone 111.
What Can Happen In Depression Psychiatry
When you visit a depression psychiatrist and start working on your needs, you are likely to learn a great deal about yourself. You will also learn about depression and why you cannot control it on your own. Sometimes, depression medication is used as a way to regulate hormones and chemical imbalances that can cause depression. Other times, you need more effective help, such as working with a depression therapist on a routine basis.
With depression psychiatry, you will gain insight into whats happening to you. This may include learning how to spot the warning signs of when depression is worsening. It may also help you to gain some control over your life. Youll finally be able to understand why you think or feel the way you do. That alone can be empowering for many people.
When To See A Doctor
If your depression symptoms return for more than a few days, it’s time to see your doctor. But even if you feel like your antidepressant isn’t working, it’s important to keep taking it until your doctor advises otherwise. You may need a dosage increase or a slow tapering off process. With many antidepressant medications, stopping their use too quickly can cause withdrawal effects such as:
- Greater anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
Early warning signs of breakthrough depression are the symptoms you typically experience when an episode of depression is coming on, says Nestadt. Depression symptoms vary from person to person, but signs include:
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
If your symptoms return, don’t worry adjusting the dose or switching to another antidepressant often solves the problem.
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Can Antidepressants Give You Suicidal Thoughts
In 2004, the FDA issued a black box label warning for suicidal ideation among 18- to 24-year-olds for common antidepressant drugs. This warning is the FDAs strictest warning for labeling prescription drugs.
The effect of suicidal thoughts is most common with SSRIs, occurring in about 4% of people who take them. However, untreated depression is considered to be much more of a suicide risk than taking antidepressants.
Lifestyle Changes To Treat Depression
Exercise.Regular exercise can be as effective at treating depression as medication. Not only does exercise boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals, it triggers the growth of new brain cells and connections, just like antidepressants do. Best of all, you dont have to train for a marathon in order to reap the benefits. Even a half-hour daily walk can make a big difference. For maximum results, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity on most days.
Social support. Strong social networks reduce isolation, a key risk factor for depression. Keep in regular contact with friends and family, or consider joining a class or group. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get social support and help others while also helping yourself.
Nutrition. Eating well is important for both your physical and mental health. Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help you keep your energy up and minimize mood swings. While you may be drawn to sugary foods for the quick boost they provide, complex carbohydrates are a better choice. Theyll get you going without the all-too-soon sugar crash.
Sleep. Sleep has a strong effect on mood. When you dont get enough sleep, your depression symptoms will be worse. Sleep deprivation exacerbates irritability, moodiness, sadness, and fatigue. Make sure youre getting enough sleep each night. Very few people do well on less than seven hours a night. Aim for somewhere between seven to nine hours each night.
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Which Type Of Antidepressant Is Right For Me
Our bodies and brains all work differently. That means one antidepressant won’t work for everyone. You may need to try two or more medicines before you find one that works for you.
Your provider will work with you to choose the best option to try first. You’ll consider questions such as:
- Which symptoms bother you most? Some antidepressants may do a better job helping specific symptoms, such as trouble sleeping.
- What other medicines and supplements do you take? Some antidepressants can cause problems if you take them with certain medicines and herbs.
- Did a certain antidepressant work well for a close relative? An antidepressant that helped a parent, brother, or sister could be a good choice for you, too.
- Do you have other health conditions? Certain antidepressants can make some other conditions better or worse. Any other conditions that you have will be part of choosing your depression treatment.
- Are you pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding? If so, your provider will help you find a way to treat your depression that’s safe for you and your baby.
What Medication Is Used For Depression
Many medications are used for depression. One of the reasons for this is that everyones brain is different. In addition, everyones depression is different, with different symptoms, a different timeline, and varying situational factors.
Here are the different types of depression medication that is commonly used today.
- SSRIs , such as Prozac, Celexa, Cipralex, and Zoloft.
- SNRIs , including Effexor, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
- NDRIs , either Wellbutrin or Zyban.
- NaSSAs Remeron
- Nonselective Cyclics a group of older depression medications that include Elavil, Tofranil, and Anafranil
- MAOIs , another older medication that includes Nardil and Parnate and requires a special diet. However, one new MAOI is available, called Manerix, which does not require any dietary changes.
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Im Depressed But Dont Want To Take Medication What Can I Do
Its understandable to say, Im depressed but dont want to take medication. Depression medication often comes with side effects. Yet, newer antidepressants have fewer side effects now. Beyond that, if you do have side effects, you can discuss it with your psychiatrist, who might recommend a change.
If you still dont want to take medication, there are other types of treatment to help you. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be extremely effective for some people, for example. Besides therapy and medication, you can find many treatments for your unique needs at a psychiatric hospital such as Georgetown Behavioral Hospital.
How Are Antidepressant Medications Selected
The type of drug prescribed will depend on your symptoms, the presence of other medical conditions, other medicines you are currently taking, the cost of the prescribed treatments, and potential side effects. If you have had depression before, your provider may prescribe the same medicine that worked for you in the past. If you have a family history of depression, medicines that have been effective in treating your family member may also be considered.
Usually you will start taking the medicine at a low dose. The dose will be gradually increased until it has reached the therapeutic dose, or until you start to see an improvement .
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How Long Will You Have To Take Antidepressants
Usually, these drugs must be taken regularly for at least 4 to 8 weeks before their full benefit takes effect. You are monitored closely during this time to detect the development of side effects and to determine the effectiveness of treatment.
In order to prevent a relapse of depression, medicines are generally prescribed for 6 to 12 months after a first-time depression. When you and your provider determine that you are better, you should expect to continue the medication for at least 4 to 6 additional months. After this, your provider may gradually taper you off your medicine.
Noradrenergic And Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants
This group of antidepressant medications is sometimes effective in people who do not respond to more commonly prescribed medications like SSRIs. NASSAs cause many of the same side effects as SSRIs. However, the sexual side effects tend to be fewer with NASSAs. An example of this type of drug is mirtazapine .
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If You Feel Better Can You Stop Taking Antidepressants
Once you and your provider have determined it is safe for you to stop taking your medicine altogether, you should continue to be monitored during periodic follow-up appointments to detect any signs of depression returning.
Long-term treatment with antidepressant medicine may be recommended to prevent further episodes of depression in people who have already had two or more episodes of major depression. A history of depression in ones family is another factor that supports long-term treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/24/2019.
References
Depressed Or Not The Surprising News About Your Moods
Moody Bitches: The Truth About the Drugs You’re Taking, the Sleep You’re Missing, the Sex You’re Not Having, and What’s Really Making You CrazyAllQ: What’s so great about being angry or anxious?A:mindQ: Are you saying antidepressants make it hard to take a clear-eyed look at our problems?A:Q: I was surprised to learn that fewer than 30 percent of Americans taking one antidepressant and fewer than half of those taking multiple meds have seen a mental health professional in the past year.A:Q: So patients in therapy are more likely to eventually get off antidepressants?A: Q: You also say women should track their hormonal cycle in order to tap into their moods. Why?A:Q: But should we have to plan our lives around our hormones?A:
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Rule Out Other Conditions
If you identify with the symptoms of depression, your next step should be a visit to your family doctor or general practitioner for a thorough exam and screening. Your provider will ask you about your health history and risk factors and may use written questionnaires to assess your symptoms.
Your family doctor or general practitioner will also want to rule out several medical conditions that can contribute to symptoms of depression, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes, and thyroid conditions. In addition, several medications may have depressive symptoms as a side effect.
If your general practitioner doesn’t find any of these factors as a cause of your depression, they may prescribe an antidepressant or refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.
In 2017, an estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States experienced at least one episode of severe depression, or 7.1% of all adults. For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, the percentage is even higher, with an estimated 3.2 million adolescents in the U.S. experiencing at least one major depressive episode in a year.
Fatigue Or Loss Of Energy
The American Psychiatric Association notes that loss of energy or increased fatigue is one of many depression symptoms. Fatigue can detract from your performance at school or work. It can also interfere with your social relationships. Treating depression may help combat fatigue and other symptoms. Therapy, stress management tools, and support from other people may help, as can good sleep hygiene, healthy diet, daily exercise, and spending time outdoors. Be sure to be aware of these everyday habits that up your risk for depression.
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How To Get More Omega
Since our bodies can’t make them from scratch, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from the foods that we eat or from supplements.
Foods that are high in omega-3s include:
For those who opt to eat fish rather than take a supplement, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish per week for general health, which could be taken as good minimum consumption level.
Is It Effective For Depression
While better-quality studies are needed to firmly establish its effectiveness as an antidepressant, a 2019 review found that there is some evidence that 5-HTP supplementation, along with creatine, may improve the effectiveness of SSRI medications in some cases. However, it’s essential that you speak with your doctor before adding this or any other supplement to your treatment program.
5-HTP is generally safe and well tolerated, although side effects can occur. Some potential side effects include:
- Sexual dysfunction
5-HTP can also lead to drug interactions when taken with some other medications, including antidepressants like SSRIs and MAOIs, tramadol, and dextromethorphan .
5-HTP could lead to a dangerous build-up of high serotonin levels if it is used in conjunction with other medicines that impact serotonin.
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Key Points How To Decide Whether To Take Antidepressants
Figuring Out If You Have An Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders come in many forms. What I have is known as generalized anxiety disorder , which is marked by consistent, excessive worries that are difficult to control or stop. It affects about 6.8 million American adults and women are twice as likely as men to have it.
Other types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Because anxiety has such a wide range of signs and symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose, according to Christen Sistrunk, a licensed professional counselor in Texas who specializes in treating anxiety disorders.
The first step to evaluating whether you have anxiety is to figure out the type of anxiety you have and how it affects you, said Justin Baksh, chief clinical officer of Foundations Wellness Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida. For instance, maybe you feel it because you brain cant shut off. No matter how hard you try, your mind wanders into the future about finances, work, family issues, and so on, Baksh said.
Or perhaps you experience more physical symptoms, like an upset stomach, digestive issues, sweaty palms, a constant uneasiness, heart palpitations or bouncing legs. Depending on the type of disorder, you could also experience specific fears, avoidance of social situations, shaking, dizziness, fear of losing control, a sense of unreality the list goes on.
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How To Take Antidepressants
Antidepressants are usually taken every day. It can take 1 or even 2 months to see the full results. You may need to try different kinds or amounts to find the antidepressant that works best for you.
Your doctor will let you know how long to take your antidepressant. If this is the first time you have been treated for depression, you will probably continue to take this medicine for at least 6 months after you begin to feel better. If this is the second time youve been depressed, you might keep taking the medicine for at least a year. Depression that comes back a third time may require you to continue taking an antidepressant for a longer time.
You can get unwanted side effects if you stop taking your antidepressant suddenly. If you want to stop taking your medicine, talk to your doctor first. He or she can try to help you avoid these side effects.
Your Mood Or Energy Improves But Too Much
Depression medications can sometimes cause mood swings, especially in people who have a tendency toward bipolar disorder depression and mania, Hullett says. If you feel unusually elated or you become very terse with your spouse, feel noticeably more irritable, or have an uncharacteristic bout of road rage, you probably need to change your antidepressant, he advises.
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What Side Effects Do Antidepressants Have
Like all medicines, antidepressants may have side effects. For most people, the side effects are not bad enough that they need to stop taking the medication.
Different people may experience different side effects, so itâs important to talk to your doctor about your personal situation. Some people experience no side effects at all.
Side effects differ between antidepressants. Some side effects may include:
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If you experience a side effect from an antidepressant, itâs important to let your doctor know. It may be possible to reduce side effects by changing the dose or the time of day the medicine is taken. Some people may need to switch to another antidepressant due to side effects.
Many antidepressants can interact with other medicines. Anybody taking antidepressants needs to make sure their doctor and pharmacist know what other medicines they are taking, including any complementary or alternative therapies.
There are links between antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people. But sometimes the need for antidepressants outweighs the risk of taking the medicines. The decision to prescribe antidepressants for young people is one that should be taken with great care.