Antidepressant Therapy

Antidepressant therapy is medication therapy used to treat depression and other mental health concerns. Antidepressant medication helps balance certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotions, easing depression symptoms.

Antidepressants can help relieve the symptoms of depression. Still, it is believed that the best results are achieved by combining antidepressant medication therapy with some of the other forms of depression treatment, such as psychotherapy.

Medicament treatment for depression is usually not suitable in the long-run. Additionally, antidepressant therapy always requires specific lifestyle changes.

There is a wide range of antidepressants available today that effectively treat symptoms of depression. However, they need to be prescribed by your doctor. Regardless of the antidepressant medication you receive, you need to take an adequate dosage of prescribed medication and appropriate time.

Are Antidepressants a Good Treatment Option for Depression?

Opinions vary on the effectiveness of antidepressants in treating depression. While some people consider them to be essential and life-saving, others doubt that antidepressants work.

Antidepressant therapy is effective in moderate, severe, and chronic depression. However, people with depression may benefit more from psychotherapy and specific life changes.

Moreover, depression is not always triggered by the imbalance of neurochemicals. Still, it is caused by a complex combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that antidepressant medication cannot address.

What are the Types of Antidepressants?

SSRIs

The most widely used antidepressants involve a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that act on the neurotransmitter serotonin that helps regulate mood. The most commonly prescribed SSRIs include:

• Prozac

• Paxil

• Zoloft

SNRIs

SNRIs are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that impact the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications include:

• Fetzima

• Pristiq

• Cymbalta

• Effexor

Atypical Antidepressants

Other antidepressants that target different neurotransmitters to regulate mood include drugs such as:

• Wellbutrin

• Desyrel

• Remeron

• Nefadozone

• Trintellix

What are the Side Effects of Antidepressants?

SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants can cause a wide range of side effects such as:

• Insomnia

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Dry mouth

• Tremors

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Weight gain

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Decreased libido

If you stop taking them abruptly, SSRIs and SNRIs can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

What Does the Antidepressant Treatment Involve?

Antidepressants are typically prescribed to be taken daily. The main goal of antidepressant therapy is to relieve or eliminate the symptoms. This is commonly achieved in the first few weeks or months. However, the treatment usually continues for at least four to nine months to prevent relapses of depression symptoms.

The duration of antidepressant treatment depends on the type of depression and whether the symptoms are likely to return.

Towards the end of medicament treatment, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose of antidepressants over several weeks. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, restlessness, and temporary sleep problems, especially if you abruptly stop taking antidepressants.

However, don't reduce the dose or stop taking antidepressants on your own. Visit your doctor regularly to discuss the improvements, side effects, and medication adjustments for your antidepressant therapy's maximum impact.