How to Manage Your Antidepressants
One in 10 Americans ages 12 and older report taking an antidepressant medication.1
Although antidepressants are only a part of depression treatment, they are important and help many people struggling with depression.1 It's worth taking a few moments to review how to take antidepressant medications and manage the expected—and sometimes unexpected—side effects.
Your guide to antidepressants
When someone's depression treatment includes taking an antidepressant medication, the most important factor is finding the right one. Antidepressants aren't a cure for depression; rather, they are a tool doctors recommend to reduce symptoms, and special care must be taken to get the right prescription.
Antidepressants have many differences, including:
- The symptoms they relieve
- Negative side effects
- Safety for pregnant or breast-feeding women
- How they work when taken with other medicine
There are several types of antidepressants, as well. These types include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – SSRIs are a common starting point for people starting an antidepressant for the first time. This type of antidepressant typically has fewer side effects and is generally considered a safer option than others.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – SNRIs are commonly prescribed, and people who take them may experience nausea, dizziness and sweating.
Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) – NDRI antidepressant users are not likely to experience sexual side effects.
Tricyclic antidepressants – These medicines are usually only prescribed when an SSRI is not successful and generally are accompanied by more side effects.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – MAOIs generally have the most side effects and safety guidelines. Special care must be taken when prescribed this type of antidepressant, as certain foods, drinks and other medication could be very dangerous or fatal while taking an MAOI.
Atypical antidepressants – There are several medications that, despite being antidepressants, don't quite fit in any of these other categories. Talk to your doctor about what category your antidepressant fits in, if any.
How will antidepressants make you feel?
Once you and your doctor have determined a treatment plan and medication type, it's important to adhere to the dosage and the schedule, even if you don't feel a change in your mood. It takes a while for antidepressants to take effect. If you don't feel better after three weeks, talk with your provider. You may need a different medication, a different dosage or a different treatment plan.
Can you become addicted to antidepressants?
Many people express concerns about becoming addicted to these medications. Antidepressants aren't tranquilizers, you will not get high from them and you can't become addicted to them.
What are some common side effects of antidepressants?
Some people experience side effects with antidepressants. These often resolve within a few weeks once your body gets used to the medication. If the side effects persist, talk with your provider or your pharmacist.
The most common side effects and some strategies to deal with them include:2
- Nausea – To help with the nausea, take the antidepressant with a small meal, unless the medication's guidelines include taking it on an empty stomach. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
- Weight gain – People on antidepressants can gain weight because of fluid retention, lack of activity or increased appetite. Keep a food diary and track what you eat. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and eat slowly. Eat lower-calorie foods and avoid fat and sugar.
- Fatigue - Fatigue and drowsiness are common, especially when just beginning treatment. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery when taking these medications.
- Insomnia or restlessness – Some people experience an energy boost after taking an antidepressant, making it difficult to relax and fall or stay asleep. If this happens, avoid caffeine, exercise and other stimulation late in the day.
- Changes in sexual performance – Sexual side effects can include decreased sex drive or difficulty achieving pleasure. Talk with your provider about a medication that requires one dose per day, and schedule sexual activity before taking that dose. Other options include switching medications, taking a drug holiday where you stop the medication for a day or two each week, or adding medications to ease the side effects. Do not alter your dosage or medication schedule or add additional medication without first discussing it with your provider.
Discuss persistent side effects with your provider or pharmacist to find solutions that work for you. Do not adjust taking the medication from how it is prescribed without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
What if you experience negative side effects on antidepressants?
Almost all people taking antidepressants should receive ongoing medical monitoring. Promptly seek medical advice and evaluation if you, your child or another family member is taking antidepressants and experiences suicidal thinking or behavior, nervousness, agitation, irritability, mood instability or sleeplessness that either emerges or worsens during treatment.1
Long-term antidepressant management
Secure your medications so others can't access them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antidepressants are responsible for 18 percent of all pharmaceutical overdose deaths.3 If you have concerns about your dosage or others taking your antidepressants, contact your provider immediately.
Once started, treatment with antidepressants should not abruptly stop. Although they are not habit-forming or addictive, suddenly ending an antidepressant can cause withdrawal symptoms or lead to a relapse.2 If you are ready to quit taking these medications, work with your provider to help you slowly reduce their use over time.
Learn about the different types of mental health therapy, video chat live with a therapist for an introductory consultation today, or visit Mental Health America for a comprehensive list of mental health support organizations and therapists in your area as well as to help you find the care you need in seconds. Living a happier, healthier life is only a click away.
Sources:
1 Pratt L, Brody DJ, Gu Q. Antidepressant Use in Persons Aged 12 and Over: United States, 2005-2008. NCHS Data Brief. No 76. October 2011.
2 Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20049305 (accessed 4/1/2016)
3 Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. CDC Newsroom. Opioids drive continued increase in drug overdose deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0220_drug_overdose_deaths.html (accessed 4/4/2016)