Home Depression Treatment Antidepressant  

Antidepressant Medication

     

Another proof of mental illnesses being another type of illness (like fever, stomach pain) is that they can be treated and that too be medication - Antidepressants. Need any other proof guys. See the world of antidepressants below and find out how they can affect the depression and other mental illnesses.

Antidepressants for Depression

Antidepressant drugs are effective in the acute treatment of depression. Antidepressant medications are often the first treatment option prescribed by health professionals.

Antidepressant medications can make psychotherapy more effective for some people. The largest effects relative to placebo are seen in patients with major depression whose symptoms are of at least moderate severity. Short term response rates in controlled trials are about 60% for patients on active treatment and about 30% for those on placebo. In terms of efficacy there is little to choose between the various antidepressants, although some are better in certain defined situations.

Top Stories in Antidepressant

How long will I need to use antidepressant? - Antidepressant medications are often the first treatment option prescribed by health professionals.., which makes it easier to face your problems and take appropriate action.      MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors ) - such as isocarboxazid (Marplan). MAO inhibitors block the enzymatic degradation of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Are Antidepressant medication just "happy pills? - No medication can do that, except for alcohol and some illegal drugs, and their effects don't last. Nor do antidepressants insulate you from life      What are the Side Effects of SSRIs? - They tend to cause less side effects, and are less sedative than other types. Many believe that there is a better way.
Deprex - a natural antidepresant - it provides the necessary dietary precursor treatment which compliments the body's ability to activate the release of a very important neurotransmitter, Serotonin      What are side effects of antidepressant? - Finding the right antidepressant and the right dosage is very important, and you will need to work with your doctor on this.

More on Antidepressant

We have put together some frequently asked questions regarding antidepressant medications for depression and its uses that you might find helpful and interesting:

Read what the customers have to say about various depression medication:

Antidepressants work by normalizing the activity levels of certain chemicals in the brain. They are not addictive! To maximize their effectiveness you should take them exactly as they are prescribed. Please don't stop taking the medication or changing your dosage without talking to your doctor first. Finally, remember not to give up on your medication too soon! It may take up to six weeks to work properly.

The value of antidepressant drugs in milder depressive disorders such as minor depression and mixed anxiety-depression is not established. It is generally believed that tricyclics are relatively ineffective in these disorders but whether this applies to SSRIs is not clear.

Information on Antidepressant:

There are several classes of antidepressants, all of which seem to work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. What antidepressant medication do, is to somehow prevent us from sliding down the chute into the blackest depths of depression when something bad happens. After taking antidepressant medicines, we still can feel hurt, pain, worry but we feel these like normal people do, without depression.

Which antidepressant drug is best for me?

It is important that you consult your doctor on all antidepressant medications and let them know of any developments in treatment, including side effects. Your doctor will prescribe treatment based on the pattern of your depression, its severity, persistence of symptoms and history.

The doctor will also consider if the patient has another psychiatric conditions such as an anxiety disorder or other medical problems such as cardiac problems. The doctor will consider how likely it is that the patient will follow directions such as staying on a restricted diet when a medication may interact with food.

Is taking antidepressant a sign of weakness?

No. As with any serious illness, coping with depression takes great personal strength. Nonetheless, you may be exposed to negative attitudes about anti-depressant medications, which vary among individuals and cultures. Many students have found it helpful to take the perspective that medication is one form of treatment for depression, just as medication may be used to treat asthma, allergies, infections, or diabetes.

Is taking an antidepressant just running away from my problems?

No. Anti-depressants relieve the symptoms of depression, which makes it easier to face your problems and take appropriate action. Many people find that they can work more productively in psychotherapy when they are free of depressive symptoms. If you are coping with the loss of a loved one, using an anti-depressant will not interfere with the grieving process.

Is there any alternative to antidepressant?

Many believe that there is a better way. However, it is not easy to manage depression--with or without the help of a medication for depression. Depression is a complex disorder with different aspects which involve both the mind and body.

A medication for depression can be helpful. Nevertheless, drugs should be used cautiously. Such an approach needs to include a healthy diet, exercise, psychotherapy, life style, supportive relationships and developing stress management skills.

Care should be taken to make sure the medication for depression is not being used in too high a dose or being continued for too long a period. The medication for depression should only be used along with other ways of treating depression.

Why not join our forums and keep learning many interesting things while having fun with other forum members? Believe us, you'll just love it.

It was good presentation - please add about role of nurse in prevention and treatment of depression, as nurses are most important persons who come contact with patients than doctors.
Birdev (3/03/2006)


Sometimes crying or laughing
are the only options left,
and laughing feels better right now.




Stay Connected with DG


           


Current Issue



Self Help Leaflets

Take the help of our self help leaflets or booklets.

The DG Magazine

All about living with depression

Most Read on Antidepressants