Anti Depression Medication

Anti depression medication is prescribed by doctors to relieve some of the symptoms specific to this psychological illness. There is no cure for depression, and all the drugs available only address the symptoms. This is an aspect that requires clarification from the very first start. Anti depressants can only be used for a limited period of time, under the direct supervision of professional.

Treatment efficiency for anti depression medication

Drug treatment is the first from all the therapeutic options available when it comes to very severe depression cases. Medication can actually be life-saving. Statistics indicate that when under medication, fewer than 50% of patients become completely symptom-free. And this success rate has been reported after changing several types of medication.

There is also a category of patients who respond well to treatment in the beginning, then, they slip back into depression despite taking the pills as prescribed. In some experts’ opinion, the benefits of anti depression medication has been exaggerated. Some studies even indicate that antidepressant drugs are just slightly more efficient than placebo.

Self-help, exercise and therapy could often work better than drugs, and you don’t have to fear any side effects. Yet, in very critical depressive episodes, medication remains the first treatment option that alleviates the symptoms to the point where therapy may become efficient.

Medication side effects

There are serious side effects and downsides to the use of antidepressants. The doctor should evaluate the patient’s health condition and determine the pros and cons of whether a certain type of medication is suitable for the individual or not.

Numerous adverse reactions have been reported following both short term and long term administration of antidepressants. Side effects should be discussed and analyzed for each type of anti depression medication in use.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Sertraline etc. may cause:

  • nausea;
  • anxiety;
  • restlessness;
  • insomnia;
  • decreased libido;
  • fatigue;
  • tremors;
  • headaches etc.

While some side effects are temporary and go away in a short while, others become more severe in time and require immediate discontinuation of the treatment.

Atypical antidepressants represent a category of newer drugs that target other neurotransmitters in addition to serotonin. The side effects vary depending on the drug, but the common adverse reactions include sleepiness, weight gain, fatigue, mouth dryness and blurred vision.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have decreased in popularity among health care providers. They have more severe adverse reactions than newer medication, and they are now used only when other drugs have failed.

Other risk factors

The occurrence of side effects is higher in some categories of patients due to additional factors that need to be taken into consideration.

  • Teens and adolescents present a higher risk of suicide because of antidepressants.
  • In pregnant women antidepressants cause short term withdrawal symptoms for the unborn child.
  • In people over 65, antidepressants increase the risks of falls, fractures and bone problems.

The use of anti depression medication requires great care and lots of precautions. Beware!