Anti Depression Medication Information

Anti depression medications treat the symptoms of depression. They do not cure depression. However, people who are diagnosed with depression and placed on anti depression medications usually find relief from their depression symptoms. These medications can help someone get on with their life, especially if their depression was causing them much mental anguish. Anti depression mediation is prescribed for major depression, mild depression and certain anxiety disorders.

People who are given anti depression medication will respond in different ways. Some people report complete remission of their depression. Others report only mild relief. If a particular anti depression medication is not bringing relief to a person, a doctor may up the dosage or prescribe a different anti depression medication. This process can continue until the individual is matched with a medication that works for him or her. There is no way to know which medication will work for an individual. It takes patience and experimentation. It is important that individuals work closely with their doctors until a suitable anti depression medication is found.

How long an individual will stay on anti depression medication depends on the individual. Some people can take anti depression medication for a few months and never need them again. Other people may have to stay on anti depression medication indefinitely or they may have take medication intermittently throughout their lives if the depression reappears. The anti depression medications that are used indefinitely should have no long term side effects.

It is important that people understand that it can take between one and three weeks before anti depression medication kicks in and starts to work. Improvements in mood and feelings may not change suddenly, but slowly improve over time. Some symptoms may subside or lessen very early on in the treatment. Many people find that their sleeping and eating patterns improve well before their depression lifts. People who find no relief in a particular anti depression medication after six weeks are generally prescribed another medication.

The dosage a person is given is dependent upon the person’s body weight and body chemistry, age and the type of drug that is being prescribed. Most doctors will prescribe a low anti depression dosage and gradually increase the dosage as needed. Once the desired effects are present the dosage will be maintained until the medication no longer seems to work or if the person starts experiencing side effects to the medication.

There are different types of anti depression medication. Tricyclic antidepressants were once the most common medication to use to treat depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are generally prescribed for patients who had depression and anxiety or phobias. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the newest anti depressions medications. Reports state that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have the least amount of side effects that tricyclic antidepressant and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.  However, it should be noted that all of anti depression medications are different in how they work and they each have different side effects.

If you think you need anti depression medication, talk with your doctor about each kind of medication available. Find one that you think will work the best for you based on the information you are given. If you start taking a medication, give it time to work. If the side effects are bothersome, talk with your doctor. He can let you know if the side effects you are experiencing are common or if they are something you should be alarmed about.