In some of our previous posts we’ve discussed depression, and how to recognize the symptoms. Today we are going to talk about one of the ways to treat it— antidepressants. If you search the internet for this word, you will quickly find out that many people don’t quite understand what this drug does.

In fact, false statements continually pollute the web and misguide people into thinking the worst. Here are some of the most common myths:

  • Antidepressants are addictive
  • They are a quick fix
  • They cause weight gain
  • You have to stay on them for the rest of your life
  • Antidepressants will change your personality

Once, again we just want to reiterate that these are all untrue. Antidepressants are safe and have already been proven to help millions of people overcome some very difficult symptoms.

Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat people with depressive disorders, such as mild chronic depression and anxiety disorders. Their purpose is to stabilize unbalanced chemicals that cause depression. Check out this video that describes how antidepressants work. While they do not cure the illness, they can alleviate many of the undesired symptoms.

Choosing an Antidepressant

There are multiple types of antidepressants that are effective. However, because every person handles depression and anxiety differently, it might take some tweaking to find which antidepressant works best for you. Check out this infographic made by Health Central about some of the most common antidepressants and their side effects.

antidepressants Health Central

Now before you get overwhelmed by all the choices, know that by working with your doctor you can find one that works great for you. Finding the right antidepressant will take time, but there are various ways to choose an effective one. Your doctor will go through the following with you to speed up the process:

  • Which antidepressants work better with your specific symptoms
  • Whether a relative has had depression, and what worked with them
  • Possible side effects
  • Other health concerns

Getting Results

Antidepressants take time to begin functioning at their optimal level. In fact, sometimes it can take six or more weeks to reach its optimal state. Here are some steps that you can take to get the best out of them.

  • Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs— these substances will mess with the effectiveness of the antidepressants and can even worsen your depression symptoms
  • Wait it out— Be sure to wait the recommended time before deciding about the medication
  • That being said if it isn’t working change it up. There are many other variations, and it’s possible that switching or adding another medication will make your symptoms better
  • However, be sure to always talk to your doctor before stopping. Quitting suddenly could result in negative consequences
  • Take the correct dosage and be consistent. The only way to know if an antidepressant is right for you is to try it out. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions throughout the entire process.

Antidepressants don’t have to be scary or a mystery. If you have concerns, schedule an appointment with our doctors. They can help you resolve any worries you might have and  figure out what will be best for you. Call 801-724-9840 or just stop by. We love walk ins.