Depression Treatments
Depression Treatments usually requires a combination of drug therapy and counselling.
Antidepressant Drugs
There are a large number of antidepressant drugs used to treat depression. They can be divided into four main categories:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Your doctor will prescribe the drug he/she thinks will be the most appropriate for your treatment.
Antidepressants don’t take effect immediately and it could take a few weeks before you feel any improvements in your symptoms. Once you are on the correct dosage you will need to continue taking the medication for at least 4-6 months, or sometimes longer, to ensure complete recovery.
You will need to remember to take your medication regularly, following the directions of your doctor.
Side Effects Of Antidepressants
Antidepressants can produce a range of side effects including:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Jaw clenching
- Teeth grinding
- Insomnia (if taken late in the day)
- Blurred vision
- Altered bowel function
If any of the symptoms are a particular problem, or if you develop any other symptoms, do not stop taking your medication, but tell your doctor as soon as possible so he/she can decide on the appropriate action – which could possibly changing your dose or changing the type of medication.
Do not stop taking your medication because you are starting to feel better, to stop taking your medication suddenly could cause side effects and also the depression to reoccur.
It is important that you discuss all your concerns and feelings honestly with your doctor or counsellor. They need to know just how bad your depression is, they will not be shocked at anything you tell them, they have dealt with patients with depression before. Only you know how you are feeling, and your doctor needs that information to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment.
Your doctor will want to see you regularly throughout your treatment. During these visits you may:
- Discuss how you are feeling and whether your symptoms are improvingReview any problems you may be having as a result of the side effects of your medication
- Discuss any other conerns you may have
Whatever depression treatments you decide to use, just remember that with the right help you will get through this. A great resource for dealing with and healing depression is ‘7 Steps to a Depression Free Life’
