What you should know about antidepressants

My doctor says that I am depressed and need an anti-depressant.I really don't know anything about them, and frankly I'm scared to take them.What should I know about antidepressants?

It can be overwhelming and little scary, to take any new type of medication, and this is especially true for antidepressants. The key to taking these successfully is understand what they can and cannot do. The first step is understanding what an antidepressant really is.Antidepressants are prescription drugs that are used to treat depression, and a variety of other psychological conditions, such as:anxiety, panic, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Here is what they can and cannot do-

• Antidepressants help correct chemical imbalances in your brain-They do this by affecting certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are responsible for sending messages between nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are responsible for several different functions in the body. Physicians will prescribe certain drugs to affect certain neurotransmitters.


• Not all antidepressants are the same-There is basically three major types of antidepressants. The different categories of antidepressants will differ in terms of the neurotransmitters that are affected, and the process involved in increasing these neurotransmitters.


• You should be patient when working with your doctor. Most people suffering from depression report that it often takes several tries, to find the right antidepressant. Keep in mind that a doctor will select the most appropriate antidepressant, based on your symptoms, the antidepressant's potential side effects, your medical conditions and any medications you are currently taking. Because of the many antidepressants that are on the market today, doctors have many options to choose from. So you shouldn't worry if the first antidepressant, is not working well for you.


• Realize that antidepressants are not a quick fix, and take time to work. This type of medication often take several weeks (or more), before positive results are noticed. You should also realize that because everyone's brain chemistry is different, antidepressants will affect individuals differently.


• Side effects are a part of the medication-Each antidepressant will have its own particular side effects. You should understand that many side effects are temporary, and will go away once your body adjusts to the medication. It is important to ask your doctor about the typical side effects, how long they may last, and when you should contact your doctor.


• Don't give up on antidepressants too early. If you do, the chances of re-experiencing depression are highly increased. Remember that for most people, it is not necessary to take antidepressants for the rest of your life. Many individuals will only take antidepressants for six months to a year or more.


• The medication will not change who you are-There is a widespread belief that antidepressants will change your personality, or not allow you to feel. This is simply untrue. Keep in mind that if you truly need antidepressants, they should make you feel better, and not worse. If you feel any of these concerns, you should immediately talk to your doctor. You may be on the wrong medication, or dose.


• You will not become addicted-Research has shown that antidepressants are not habit forming (addictive). There are many people who cope with depression and other problems in less healthy ways, such as: using alcohol or illicit drugs. Taking depression medication is a much healthier alternative, with less negative consequences.


• Do not just quit "cold turkey". Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking antidepressants, without talking to your doctor first. For example, some SSRIs (e.g. Paxil) which are short-acting (stays in the body for a short period of time) may cause withdrawal like symptoms, if they are stopped suddenly or the dosage is reduced too quickly. If you stop or reduce certain antidepressants, you can develop withdrawal symptoms, which are characterized by flu like symptoms such as:nausea, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, vomiting and dizziness. See a doctor immediately, if you start to experience these symptoms.