» Conditions » Depression » Child and Adolescent Depression » Featured Columns
How Antidepressants Work
In depression, there is a imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Antidepressant medications balance the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.
In a depressed person's brain, the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin are not produced in sufficient quantities. Because of this lack, too few messages get transmitted between neurons, and the symptoms of depression occur.
Antidepressant medications alter your nerve cells, or neurons, so that more messages are delivered from one cell to another. One of their effects is to slow the process by which the chemicals or neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the first cell. This leaves more chemical in the synapse, ths space between the two cells. With more chemicals around to stimulate the second cell, more messages go through.
If you take antidepressants, you should begin to see a minor improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. The symptoms you may first notice improvement in are your sleep, appetite, or energy level. However, it often takes 4 to 6 weeks to see the full effect of the medication.
Sometimes your doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the medication or combination of medications most effective for you. Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective. Also, new types of antidepressants are being developed all the time, and one of these may be the best for you.
Patients often are tempted to stop medication too soon. It is important to keep taking medication until your doctor says to stop, even if you feel better beforehand. Some medications must be stopped gradually to give your body time to adjust. For individuals with bipolar disorder or chronic major depression, medication may have to become part of everyday life to avoid disabling symptoms.
Antidepressant drugs are not habit-forming, so you need not be concerned about that. However, as is the case with any type of medication prescribed for more than a few days, antidepressants have to be carefully monitored to see if you are getting the correct dosage. Your doctor will want to check the dosage and its effectiveness regularly.
If you are taking MAO inhibitors, you will have to avoid certain aged, fermented, or pickled foods. Be sure you get a complete list of foods you should not eat from your doctor and always carry it with you. Other forms of antidepressants require no food restrictions.
Never mix medications of any kind--prescribed, over-the counter, or borrowed-without consulting your doctor. Be sure to tell your dentist or any other medical specialist who prescribes a drug that you are taking antidepressants. Some of the most benign drugs when taken alone can cause severe and dangerous side effects if taken with others. Some drugs, like alcohol, reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and should be avoided. This includes wine, beer, and hard liquor.
Antianxiety drugs, such as Valium, are not antidepressants. They are sometimes prescribed along with antidepressants; however, they should not be taken alone for a depressive disorder. Sleeping pills and stimulants, such as amphetamines, are also inappropriate.
Be sure to call your doctor and/or therapist if you have a question about any drug or if you are having a problem you believe is drug-related.
Link: Find a Therapist
Link: Find a Clinical Trial for Depression
Take a test:
See also:
|
 |
 |
|
