A variety of antidepressant medications are available for
prescription use. There is no single best antidepressant, and the best one for
you depends on your symptoms and individual needs.
How are medications selected?
The type of drug prescribed will depend on your symptoms,
the presence of other medical conditions, what other medicines you are taking,
cost of the prescribed treatments, and potential side effects. If you have had
depression before, your doctor will usually prescribe the same medicine that
worked for you in the past. If you have a family history of depression,
medicines that have been effective in treating your family member(s) will be considered.
Usually you will start taking the medicine at a low dose. The
dose will be gradually increased until you start to see an improvement (unless
side effects emerge).
What are the side effects?
The doctor prescribing your medicine will discuss its
potential side effects with you, and will try to prescribe drug(s) with the
least number of side effects for your health condition. Sometimes, more than one
medicine may be tried before the desired benefits are achieved.
You will be monitored closely so that your doctor can detect the
development of harmful side effects and make the necessary changes.
All medications – not just antidepressants - can cause side
effects. So, keep in mind that your doctor prescribes the medication only if its
expected benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. In general, side effects of
antidepressant medications are uncommon, and if they occur, are mild. Some side
effects decrease after you have taken the drug for a while. However, if side
effects do not go away, they will once the drug is stopped. Be sure to discuss
your concerns with your doctor before taking any medicine.
Side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
and noradrenalin serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs) include:
- Agitation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sexual problems including low sex drive or inability to have an orgasm
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Increased anxiety
- Exhaustion
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Increased fatigue and sleepiness
- Weight gain
- Muscle twitching (tremors)
- Hand shaking
- Constipation
- Bladder problems
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
It is important to remember that the majority of patients taking
antidepressants do not develop side effects; however, some do which requires
careful monitoring of all patients. It is also important to note that you should
not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antidepressant medicines, since
alcohol can interfere with their beneficial effects.
Will I become addicted if I take antidepressants?
Antidepressant medicines are not addictive; they do not make
you "high," have a tranquilizing effect, or produce a craving for more. They are
not "happy pills."
How long will I have to take antidepressants?
Usually, these drugs must be taken regularly for at least 4
to 8 weeks before their full benefit takes effect. You are usually monitored
closely during this time to detect the development of side effects and to
determine the effectiveness of treatment.
In order to prevent a relapse of depression, medicines are
generally prescribed for 6 to 12 months after a first-time depression. When you
and your doctor determine that you are better, you should expect to continue the
medication for at least 4 to 6 months more, after which your doctor may
gradually taper you off your medicine. Once you and your doctor have determined
it is safe for you to stop taking your medicine altogether, you should continue
to be monitored during periodic follow-up appointments (about every three
months) to detect any signs of depression recurrence.
Long-term treatment with antidepressant medicine may be
recommended to prevent further episodes of depression in people who have already
suffered from two or more episodes of major depression, especially if the
episodes have been severe or life-threatening. A history of depression in one’s
family is another factor that may convince your doctor to prescribe long-term treatment.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/16/2009…#9301
