Should I Take Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are often prescribed to depressed patients and for treating other psychological conditions such as anxiety. However, although antidepressants alleviate depression symptoms by affecting the functioning of neurotransmitters, they often fail to deal with the root cause of your woes. Therefore, consulting a psychiatrist is always better than self-medication. The psychiatrist would consider your medical and social history before prescribing any antidepressants.

The most common category of antidepressants includes SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which increase the release of serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) in the brain. Other categories of antidepressants include tricyclic and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are often prescribed for depressed patients who have not shown improvement with SSRIs.

Should I take an antidepressant?
• Talk to your doctor and discuss your symptoms and medications taken.
• Know the side effects of specific antidepressants. Keep in mind that each person responds differently to drugs, and so, you may or may not suffer some of the side effects.
• Understand that antidepressants may not work as a quick-fix solution and can take even several months to show results.
• Be clear about the dosage, duration, and withdrawal symptoms (if any).
• Never opt for over-the-counter antidepressant supplements or pills without medical advice.

For more on antidepressants, see below:

New Treatments for Depression

Depression: 5 Highly Effective Drugs

Side Effects of Wellbutrin

Side Effects of Lexapro

Side Effects of Zoloft

Side Effects of Celexa

Side Effects of Cymbalta