Depression Medication: An Overview

If your friends and relatives have stated that you have been depressed, you should consult a specialist.  In addition, your doctor may have suggested medication if your mood affects your job, family, or social life for more than two weeks. Some depressed individuals may even face legal issues as a result of their outbursts.

Several antidepressant medicines are available for prescription usage. However, there is no one optimal antidepressant, and the one that will work best for you depends on your specific symptoms and needs.

In this article, you will learn about depression medicines, its cause, and their symptoms.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental condition characterized by persistent sorrow and a lack of interest. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts and can lead to several mental and physical difficulties. You may have difficulty performing routine day-to-day tasks, and you may occasionally feel that life is not worth living.

Depression Causes

It is unknown what exactly causes depression. As is the case with many mental diseases, several causes, such as:

• Biological Differences

There appear to be physical changes in the brains of depressed people. The relevance of these changes is currently unknown, although they may eventually assist to identify their origins.

• Psychological Changes

Fluctuations in your emotions caused by daily life or issues with your near and dear ones can cause depression.

• Hormones

Depression may be caused or triggered by fluctuations in the body’s hormonal balance. Pregnancy and the weeks or months following birth (postpartum) along with thyroid disorders, menopause, and a variety of other illnesses can cause hormonal changes.

• Inherited Qualities

Depression is more prevalent in those with a family history of the disorder. Researchers are searching for genes that may contribute to the development of depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression are:

• Disinterest in anything
• Mood swings
• Avoiding self-care
• Trouble with concentration
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Suicidal Thoughts

Diagnosis

Your doctor may diagnose depression based on the following diagnosis:

• Physical Test
• Lab Tests
• DSM-5
• Psychiatric Analysis

Depression Medications

There are several antidepressants available, including those listed below. These medicines for depression are easily available at any pharmacy online. Additionally, you may discuss any significant side effects with your doctor.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are generally the first medication that doctors prescribe. These antidepressants are deemed safer and produce less annoying side effects than other medications.

• Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla) and levomilnacipran (Fetzima), and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are all examples of SNRIs.

• Atypical Antidepressants

These antidepressants do not fit nicely into any of the other groups. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo XL), nefazodone, mirtazapine (Remeron), trazodone and vortioxetine (Trintellix).

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs, such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), and isocarboxazid (Marplan), may be used when other medications have been ineffective due to their potentially severe side effects. MAOIs necessitate a rigorous diet due to severe (or even fatal) interactions with foods, pharmaceuticals, and herbal supplements, such as cheeses, pickles, and wines. Selegiline (Emsam), a newer MAOI used as a patch, may be associated with fewer adverse effects than older MAOIs. These drugs are incompatible with SSRIs.

Tips for Maximising Depression Treatment

Here are ways by which you can give a helping hand to your depression medications.

• Pay Attention to How You’re Feeling

Keeping tabs on your emotions and actions at regular intervals can help your doctor catch and treat depression in its early, more manageable stages.

• Improve Your Circle of Family and Friends

You can’t change being diagnosed with depression, but you can take charge of your life in other ways. The good news is that you have the option of finding or making a positive support system for yourself. Since, there is always someone there to lend a helping hand, whether it is your spouse, family member, close friend, coworker, or religious group.

• Follow the Course of Treatment That Has Been Provided

The full effect of antidepressants may not be seen until week eight of treatment. Take your medication as prescribed and don’t stop taking it too soon. You aren’t giving your antidepressant medication a fighting chance if you don’t take it exactly as directed.

• Contact a Specialist in Mental Health

Communicating with a mental health professional is important. However, psychologists are experts in mental evaluation and counselling, but they aren’t allowed to administer drugs. Seeing a psychologist while also taking antidepressants prescribed by your doctor is a viable treatment option.

• Make an Effort to Improve Your Habits

Your depression medication is most effective when used daily, at the same time. If you incorporate it into a routine, like getting ready for bed or breakfast, you’re more likely to remember it. If you’re worried about forgetting a dose, invest in a weekly pillbox. Considering that it is human nature to occasionally miss a dose, it is important to be prepared.

• Avoid Ignoring Side Effects

One of the most common reasons for discontinuing drug treatment is intolerance to its side effects. If you have any side effects then talk to your doctor. Furthermore, try to think of ways to reduce or eliminate them. However, it’s important to remember that side effects may be more severe at the onset of treatment. Negative reactions tend to lessen over time.

• Do Not Forget to Inform Your Healthcare Doctor if You Are Given Medication From a Different Source

Antidepressants are a class of drugs, and they can interact with several other drugs in significant ways. Before starting or changing the dosage of any medication, it is important to inform your doctor.

• Avoid Discontinuing Antidepressant Treatment Without First Consulting Your Physician.

Your doctor may recommend a gradual decrease in your dosage if you need to stop taking your medication. There may be withdrawal symptoms and your depression may worsen if you quit suddenly.