How do antidepressants affect your life?

Have you been prescribed medication by your doctor to treat your depression? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about these medications. It's normal to wonder things like, "Do these really work?", "How long will it take for me to get better?", "Will these medications have side effects?" Don't worry, today we'll talk about the most important things you need to know about these medications for depression, that is, antidepressants, in a very simple way.

What does this medication actually do to the brain?

Simply put, there are special chemical messengers in our brain that control our mood, emotions like happiness and sadness. We medically call these neurotransmitters . A person with depression may have an imbalance of these chemical messengers. That's when they feel sad, uninterested in anything, and a heavy heart.

These antidepressants work by restoring that chemical balance. When this balance is restored, your mood improves, you sleep better, your appetite increases, and your ability to concentrate improves. Just like a dead tree is revived by a few sticks, these medications give your mind the "boost" it needs, that is, energy.

Will I feel better immediately after taking the medicine?

This is a question that many people ask. No, you won't feel a big difference right after taking this medicine. It's like planting a plant. It doesn't bloom immediately after planting. You have to water it, take care of it, and wait for a while. That's how this medicine is. It takes some time to restore the chemical balance in the brain.

Let's say there is a person named Nimali, who also started taking medication for depression. She says, "I didn't feel much of a difference in the first two or three weeks. I wondered if this would work. But I continued taking it as the doctor said. Gradually, I realized that my mind was feeling lighter, and I wasn't feeling sad as often as before. So I definitely need to be patient."

What do you do if the medicine doesn't work after about a month?

Don't worry. This is different for many people. Not everyone's body is the same. Therefore, the same medicine does not work for everyone. Perhaps the medicine prescribed for you is not exactly suitable for your body.

The most important thing you can do is talk to your doctor about this right away. Tell him, "Doctor, I've been taking the medication for a month now, but I still don't feel much difference."

Research has found that while some people recover with the first dose, others recover with a change in medication or the addition of another medication. So your doctor will find the medication that works best for you. You may have to try two different medications. That's normal. The key is to keep trying and work with your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

Like any medicine, antidepressants can cause side effects in some people. But this does not happen to everyone. Some people do not experience any side effects. These are some of the more common side effects.

There are now several types of medication for depression. Some of the newer medications, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) , have fewer side effects than older medications (such as TCAs and MAOIs ). But this varies from person to person. If you are concerned about a particular side effect (such as weight gain), talk to your doctor before starting the medication. He or she can then choose a medication that is right for you.

How long will these side effects last?

This is also a good question. Most of the time, these side effects only last for the first few days or weeks. They often go away as your body gets used to the medication.

But if some of the side effects continue to bother you, never stop taking the medication on your own. Talk to your doctor. You may be able to solve the problem by changing the time you take the medication (for example, if it's a medication that makes you sleepy, taking it at night) or switching to a different medication.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

This depends on the nature and severity of your depression. Most people need to take medication for at least six to nine months . Sometimes you may not be able to stop taking your medication just because you feel better. It is important to continue taking your medication to reduce the risk of relapse.

Some people may have to take medication for years. There is nothing wrong with that. It is like taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure. Your doctor will guide you on when it is the right time to stop taking the medication and how to safely taper it off.