8 things you need to know about antidepressants
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Antidepressants are drugs that are used to treat clinical depression, although many of them are intended for use in other cases.
How do antidepressants work?
Most of these drugs change the balance of chemicals (neurotransmitters or neurotransmitters) in the brain. For example, the lack of neurotransmitters can trigger the development of depression. The action of antidepressants is observed in two to four weeks. They make neurotransmitters more accessible to brain cells.
What is the effect of antidepressants?
Antidepressants are medicines that are most effective in combination with therapy. Those patients who are undergoing treatment with antidepressants report that their treatment removes symptoms such as apathy, sadness, loss of interest in the world around them and a sense of hopelessness.
If antidepressants do not work?
If the above symptoms are disturbing even after three weeks of taking the drug, then you should consult your doctor. Perhaps, the reason lies in the wrong dosage or inappropriate preparation. This is not surprising, because there are often cases when the first prescription drug does not affect the patient at all.
Is there a difference in price?
Evaluation of the employees of the organization "Food and Drug Administration" says that there is no difference between expensive and cheap antidepressants. Nevertheless, some studies of scientists talk about opposite results.
How much should I take antidepressants?
Do not give up taking the drug until the entire course of treatment is completed. It usually lasts no more than a year. However, during treatment, sleep disturbances may occur. If you have such problems, you need to consult a doctor, he can develop a suitable schedule for taking medications for you.
Side effects
Be sure to tell your doctor about the side effects of the antidepressant. Sometimes they can cause problems in sex or provoke attacks of nausea. Often, side effects occur several weeks after the start of the medication.
Antidepressants and other medicines
Antidepressants of the new generation practically do not interact with other medicines, thereby not causing negative and dangerous reactions to health. The same can be said about the side effects - new drugs are less dangerous. However, in the case of dietary supplements or other pills, the doctor in charge should know what you are taking along with antidepressants.
[End of taking medication
The doctor will choose the optimal time to complete the course of treatment with antidepressants. If you do this yourself and abruptly stop taking it, it can cause unwanted side effects or even relapse of the disease.