Perhaps you or someone you know is suffering from depression. So when you see a doctor, he or she may prescribe you a medication to treat this condition. When that happens, it's normal for questions and fears to come to your mind. "Will this medication really help me?", "Will I have side effects if I use this?", "Will I become addicted to this over time?"... A thousand things like this come to mind. So today, let's talk about all of this simply and clearly, as if we were talking to a friend.
What are these antidepressants?
Simply put, these are special medications that are used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of depression. There are chemicals in our brain called neurotransmitters that help control our thoughts and feelings. The balance of these chemicals can be altered in a person with depression. So what these medications do is restore that balance and improve your mood. There are different types of medications for this.
Doctor, how do you choose the right medicine for you?
When you go to see a doctor, he doesn't just prescribe a medicine. He takes into account several factors to choose the medicine that is best for you, the safest. It's like choosing a dress that fits you well.
Remember, the best treatment for you is determined by the doctor who examines you. Avoid taking medication based on what you find online or what a friend recommends.
Look at the table below, and you will get a clear idea of what factors a doctor uses to make this decision.
| The matter the doctor is considering | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Your symptoms | Some medications are good for insomnia, others for anxiety. The choice of medication depends on your main symptoms. |
| Other illnesses you have | If you have another condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, you should choose a medication that won't affect it. |
| Other medications you are already taking | Medications can interact with each other, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking. |
| Cost | The doctor is trying to prescribe a medication that you can afford in the long run. |
| Possible side effects | Like all medications, there can be minor side effects. It's important to choose the medication that will have the least impact on your lifestyle. |
| How this medicine affected the family | If someone in your family (mother, father, sibling) has been given medication for depression and it has worked, then perhaps that medication might be right for you too. |
Treatment usually starts with a very low dose . Then the doctor gradually increases the dose until you feel better.
How long do I need to take this medicine?
This is a problem for many people.
- For someone seeking treatment for depression for the first time: Doctors usually advise taking medication continuously for between 6 months and a year . Why is that? Taking medication for a while, even after symptoms have subsided, can help prevent relapse.
- Time to see results: This medicine does not cure you immediately. It may take a month or two to see the full results. Therefore, it is very important to be patient. During this time, the doctor will check you regularly to see if the medicine is working and if there are any side effects.
What you need to know specifically about stopping medication
Even if you feel well, never stop taking your medication on your own. This is the most dangerous thing you can do. You and your doctor are the ones who decide to stop taking your medication together. Even then, your doctor will not stop the medication all at once, but will gradually taper off the dose.
If you stop taking the medication suddenly, you may experience a condition called "discontinuation syndrome." This means that you may experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and a feeling of discomfort, such as a fever. While these are not dangerous, they are very uncomfortable.
The most important thing is to always talk to your doctor before starting, changing the dosage, or stopping medication.
For someone who has had two or more episodes of depression, a doctor may recommend long-term medication to prevent recurrence.
Is this medicine really safe? What are the side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them, and even if they do, they usually go away after a few days as the body gets used to it. Some of the most common side effects are:
- Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Nausea
- Weight gain or loss
- Problems related to sexual life (such as loss of interest)
If you experience any side effects, don't put up with them and tell your doctor right away. They may be able to switch you to a different medication or change your dosage.
Special occasions
- Bipolar Disorder: This is a different condition than depression. If someone with this condition is given medication for depression alone, they may experience the other side of the illness, which is a state of hyperactivity and excitement (mania or hypomania). Therefore, these medications are often given to such people along with another medication that stabilizes their mood (mood stabilizer).
- Children and young people: Agencies such as the FDA in the US have required that these medications be given a black box warning. This is to warn that these medications may slightly increase suicidal thoughts in children and young people. This does not mean that these medications are dangerous , but it does mean that if a child or young person is given these medications, parents and doctors should monitor their behavior and thoughts very closely.
A question many people ask: Is this addictive?
This is something that many people fear. But the straightforward answer is 'no'.
Antidepressants are not addictive like drugs. They don't make you feel 'high', intoxicated, or craving more.
However, some people confuse discontinuation syndrome with addiction. The two are completely different. So there is no reason to be afraid.
Take-Home Message
- Antidepressants are not addictive like drugs.
- It can take a few weeks or a month or two for these medications to take full effect, so be patient and take the treatment.
- If you experience any side effects, don't be afraid or impatient about them, but talk to your doctor.
- Most importantly: Never stop, change the dosage, or start medication without your doctor's advice.
- Often, combining medication with treatments such as psychotherapy can lead to better and more permanent recovery.
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