How to choose an antidepressant?

Feeling down in the dumps? Feeling like a human-shaped black hole that sucks up all joy and happiness from surrounding people, animals, plants, and inanimate objects? Worry not – you’re not alone. According to experts, approximately 17 million adults in the US experience major depression each year. The good news is that antidepressants can help get rid of your depressive symptoms; however, choosing the right one might be as hard as finding Waldo on steroids. So grab a mug of hot cocoa and let’s find out how to choose an antidepressant like a boss!

Step One: Ask Your Doctor for Help

The first step towards conquering depression is acknowledging its existence (no need to sing songs about it) and seeking professional help. Instead of self-diagnosing with Dr Google or some sort of tea leaves reading monk named Yasu who lives atop of mountain KOPET-DAG- ask your doctor for advice regarding which form(s) of treatment are most suitable for you.

Flashback Story Alert!

John: Doc, I feel so depressed lately.

Doc: John my man! Sorry! Uh-hum.. Tell me more about what’s been going on latley.

John: Well… I lost my job last month.. My ex-gf dumped me via text message.. And today I spilled coffee over myself..

Doc: Ain’t nobody got time for crappy instant coffee brother! Anyway since this has been bothering you consistently these days we should look into treating your mood because being depressed can affect your physical health too.Would ya like any medication or therapy ?

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Step Two: Learn About Different Types of Antidepressants

There are various types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

SSRIs: This type of antidepressant is often the first-line treatment for depression. Some examples include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Lexapro. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in your brain – essentially putting more smiles on the neurons’ faces.

SNRIs: Another popular kind of antidpressant that works wonders when used at right dose . They target both Serotonin as well as one other chemical ‘Norepinephrine’ which also regulates mood.Researchers concluded* SNRI’s might be better than SSRI’s for people with anxiety disorders while treating depression ,so if you have a history or current problem with anxiety/OCD this class could be Something Suited to Your Needs (hence being called SNRN’S)

Tricyclics: These were some earlier versions but less prescribed today due to side effects such as blurred vision,constipation,dizziness,and excess sweating.Tricky cyclic medications like Elavil,some cases demand their use which suits them.

MAOis: This group was also not widely preferred because it interacts badly certain food like cheese,chocolates etc.and many other medicines,giving unwanted reactions.However they are sometimes considered if everything else fails.But even then there is regular blood monitoring required to counteract the effect on liver enzymes hence making it Expensive Comfortable Options (read: Xpensive with capital letter)

Step Three: Discuss Side Effects With Your Doctor

The next step is discussing potential side effects that each medication may cause. Each person reacts differently to different medications – so what causes heart-fluttering for your cousin Amy, may not have any side effect on you. Some common side effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, nausea, insomnia or drowsiness (it all depends on the individual ) please note take suggestions only from medical personalities having authentic license & experience

Testimony

I was prescribed Mirtazapine and quicky encountered a nightmarish scenario contemplating weighing the importance of good sleep with symptoms I experienced such as extreme tiredness,constipation weight gain(which resulted in jeans getting snuggly) as well as feeling mildly disorientated&blurred vision.(name changed for privacy)

Step Four: Be Patient

Antidepressants are not game-changing drugs that grant immediate relief like The-One-Ring made Frodo invisible instantly .They usually require at least four weeks to start showing signs of improvement- so stick around before hopping onto reddit groups whining about how your medication is doing nothing , because it might just need some more time.

If after discussingthe available options with our doctor,You don’t notice anything positive after 4 weeks ,Red Alert! You can contact him /her to change the dose/prescription leading up to satisfactory results.

Type Of Antidepressants Pros Cons
SSRIs -Milder Side Effects Friendly -First Line Treatment -Reduced effectiveness over extended use
SNRIS -Controls anxiety too

Three helpful tips helping you coming out successful winner while choosing antidepressant:

  1. Keep working on improving yourself instead of placing entire responsibilty on medication itself.
  2. Ask your doctor for other treatment options ,for ex therapy or counseling can come handy in tandem with yoour respective meds.
  3. Don’t personally diagnose yourself with online internet searches,but share open-heartedly about your progress and symptoms to both people close to you and experts

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*Hirano, S., Watanabe, K., Yoshimura, R. et al. Comparison of changes in sexual dysfunction among patients switching between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs using a serotonin transporter gene polymorphism: the STDREAMS randomized study BMC Psychiatry (2020) 20: 468.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]. (2015). Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental health findings (HHS Publication No SMA 15-4927 NSDUH Series H-50).

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MacGill,M.(2021) Antidepressants Side effects Medlical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327428

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