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8 things to know about antidepressants
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Antidepressants are drugs used to treat clinical depression, although many are intended for use in other conditions as well.
How do antidepressants work?
Most of these drugs change the balance of chemicals (neurotransmitters or neuromediators) in the brain. For example, a lack of neuromediators can trigger the development of depression. The effect of antidepressants is observed after two to four weeks. They make neuromediators more accessible to brain cells.
What do antidepressants do?
Antidepressants are medications that are most effective when combined with therapy. Those patients who undergo treatment with antidepressants report that their use eliminates symptoms such as apathy, sadness, loss of interest in the world around them, and a sense of hopelessness.
What if antidepressants don't work?
If the above symptoms bother you even after three weeks of taking the drug, you should consult your doctor. Perhaps the reason lies in the wrong dosage or an unsuitable drug. This is not surprising, because there are often cases when the first prescribed drug does not affect the patient at all.
Is there a difference in price?
The assessment of the employees of the organization "Food and Drug Administration" says that there is no difference between expensive and cheap antidepressants. However, some studies of scientists show the opposite results.
How long should you take antidepressants?
You should not stop taking the drug until you have completed the entire course of treatment. It usually lasts no more than a year. However, sleep disorders may occur during treatment. If such problems occur, you should consult your doctor, who can develop a suitable schedule for taking the drugs for you.
Side effects
Be sure to tell your doctor about the side effects of your antidepressant. Sometimes they can cause problems with sex or provoke bouts of nausea. Often, the side effects go away within a few weeks of starting to take the medication.
Antidepressants and other medications
New generation antidepressants practically do not interact with other drugs, thus not causing negative and dangerous reactions to health. The same can be said about side effects - new drugs are less dangerous. However, in case of using dietary supplements or other pills, the attending physician should know what you are taking in parallel with antidepressants.
[ End of medication intake
The doctor will choose the optimal time to complete the course of treatment with antidepressants. If you do this yourself and suddenly stop taking them, this may cause unwanted side effects or even a relapse of the disease.