Antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescription medications used to treat depression and other conditions by helping the brain better utilize chemicals that control mood and stress.
What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are prescription medicines to treat depression. Depression is more than feeling a little sad or "blue" for a few days. It's a very common, serious medical illness that affects your mood and general mental health. It can make you feel tired, hopeless, worried, or fearful. It can change your thinking, sleeping, and eating. Depression may make some people think about ending their lives.
Researchers think antidepressants may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress.
Other Uses
A health care provider may prescribe antidepressants for anxiety, chronic pain, or insomnia. Sometimes providers also prescribe antidepressants for other conditions.
Types of Antidepressants
There are many types of antidepressants, and each one works differently. Providers usually prescribe newer antidepressants first because they don't cause as many side effects as older types. Most of the newer antidepressants belong to one of these three groups:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Atypical antidepressants, which are newer antidepressants that don't fit into the other groups
If these do not help, your provider might suggest older types, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tetracyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Choosing the Right Medication
Because bodies and brains work differently, you may need to try two or more medicines before finding one that works for you. Your provider will consider several factors:
- Which symptoms bother you most?
- What other medicines and supplements do you take?
- Did a certain antidepressant work well for a close relative?
- Do you have other health conditions?
- Are you pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding?
Treatment Timeline and Expectations
Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work. You may notice improvements in sleeping and eating before your mood improves. The typical length of treatment is 6 to 12 months, though some people may stay on them longer.
Side Effects and Safety
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, weight gain, diarrhea, sleepiness, and sexual problems. If side effects occur, they are often mild and may improve over time.
Important Safety Precautions:
- Tell your provider about all medicines, herbs, and supplements you take.
- Try to get all your medicines from the same pharmacy.
- Follow all instructions regarding dosage.
- Never stop taking antidepressants without your provider's help, as stopping too fast may make depression return or worsen.
In some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may be more likely to think about hurting or killing themselves when starting antidepressants or changing doses. Seek medical help immediately if this occurs.