Side-effects vary depending on the type of medication.
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The ideal dose is one that provides the greatest benefit with minimum side-effects. Treatment is usually started at a low dose, to minimize side-effects, and then slowly increased until the ideal dose is found. In most cases, side-effects lessen as treatment continues. Others may find the side-effects distressing. Side effects of Antidepressant MedicationsĪll medications can have side-effects. This rate is even higher when people who don’t get relief with one type of antidepressant try a second type. We do know that these drugs help to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety in up to 70 per cent of people who try them. However, the brain is a very complex organ and the reasons why these drugs work are not yet fully understood. Increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine seems to help lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. What do Antidepressant Medications do?Īntidepressant medications increase the activity of chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. Peer support, school and job counselling, and housing and employment supports can also help to deal with problems that may trigger or worsen depression or anxiety. Talk therapies, such as interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy , can be just as effective. Medications are only one way of treating depression and anxiety. Antidepressants alone can cause some people to switch from depression into mania. Mood stabilizer medications may be more suited to your needs, either on their own or in combination with antidepressants. Early treatment can help to ensure treatment success.īe sure your doctor knows if you have had times where you felt a reduced need for sleep in combination with an unusual amount of energy, or where your mood changed from feeling depressed to feeling unusually happy or irritable. If you are distressed for more than two weeks by feelings of sadness, despair and hopelessness, or by excessive worry that is hard to control, see a doctor for an assessment of your symptoms and situation and to discuss treatment and support options. Early signs that the medication is working include improved sleep, appetite and energy. They often work best when they are combined with talk therapy, support from family and friends and self-care (e.g., regular exercise, a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep).Īntidepressants can take up to several weeks to be fully effective. Even when they do work well, they can only do so much.
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They are also used to help with other conditions such as bulimia and chronic pain.Īntidepressants help many people.
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Antidepressant medications are most commonly used to help relieve the distress of depression or anxiety.