Antidepressants: Depression Medications
Depression is a common mental health condition that is experienced by millions in the UK. It can make it hard to engage in your everyday activities and adversely impact your quality of life. However, the condition is treatable, and there are several treatment options available, one of which is medication in the form of antidepressants.
On this page, we will learn more about antidepressants and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are prescription medications used in the treatment of depression, including clinical depression. These medications increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals play a role in sleep, appetite, and mood regulation.
There are several types of antidepressants, and your doctor or another medical professional will prescribe the one that best suits your needs and symptoms. This decision will also take into consideration whether or not you are experiencing other difficulties alongside your depression, such as insomnia or anxiety.
Sometimes, antidepressants can also be used to treat other mental health issues, including the following:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with ruminations and intrusive thoughts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
However, it is important to be aware that antidepressants do not deal with the underlying cause of your condition, nor do they provide a lasting solution. Doctors prescribe them to provide short-term relief, so you can better focus on therapy or other forms of treatment.
Types of Antidepressants
The following are some of the most common medications used to treat depression:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs block serotonin reuptake, resulting in increased serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is commonly referred to as being one of the brain’s “happy chemicals” as it appears to have the ability to influence mood and how we process emotions. However, this neurotransmitter does more than that; serotonin can affect many bodily functions and systems, including sleep and memory.
Research demonstrates that elevated serotonin levels in the brain are associated with a positive mood and feelings of happiness. Conversely, low levels of this chemical are linked to symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad, upset and generally being in a low mood. Therefore, SSRIs can uplift mood by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters associated with mood. SNRIs specifically target the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their levels of chemicals in the brain to improve mood and alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs block the enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in increased levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, that can uplift mood. However, individuals taking MAOIs need to follow a strict diet because it can be dangerous when these medications interact with certain foods. Thus, these medications are only prescribed to individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs, an older type of antidepressant, also have the effect of increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. However, they are not often given as a first line of treatment due to potential unpleasant side effects. In addition, an overdose of TCAs can be highly dangerous.
These medications might be prescribed when other antidepressants prove ineffective. They may also be given for other conditions, such as OCD and bipolar disorder.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
What is the Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressant?
The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs because they have fewer side effects compared to the other options. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa). In the UK, the most commonly prescribed depression medication is sertraline, which is considered to be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.
Possible Side Effects of Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause side effects, just other medications. Some common side effects of depression medication include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach aches
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headaches
- Weight gain or loss
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Sexual problems
However, there are some people who take medication for depression and don’t experience side effects. If you do, they often improve as your body adapts to the medication. If you’re experiencing unpleasant or severe side effects, it’s crucial to inform your GP about it. They can evaluate your medication to determine whether it’s necessary to adjust the dosage or prescribe another antidepressant.
Other Treatment Methods for Depression
Although antidepressants can play an important role in the treatment of depression, they’re just one element in a more extensive treatment plan. These medications aren’t a complete solution to depression, which is why SSRIs are often combined with other treatment methods such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and self-care techniques.
The purpose of therapy is to deal with the root causes of your depression. Talking with a mental health specialist will help you develop coping strategies and healthy thought patterns and better understand your emotions and behaviours. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a talking therapy technique often used to treat depression.
Making lifestyle changes can also positively influence the overall health of a person suffering from depression. An individual who exercises regularly, eats a healthy diet, and gets enough sleep can cope much better with the condition. In addition, self-care techniques, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises, can help manage stress and uplift your general mood.
Our depression treatment specialists will collaborate with you in developing a treatment plan that will help you get back on course.
Frequently asked questions
Drinking alcohol is not advisable for people taking antidepressants. Alcohol can interact with your medication, exacerbating side effects or diminishing its effectiveness. Furthermore, alcohol is a depressant, and it can significantly worsen your symptoms.
Antidepressants typically take 1 to 2 weeks to take effect. You must continue taking your antidepressants as prescribed, even if you don’t experience immediate improvements. If your condition remains unchanged after four weeks, talk to your doctor about the possibility of switching to an alternative antidepressant or changing the level of dosage.
The duration for which an antidepressant is taken depends on the person and their symptoms. Doctors typically recommend continuing these medications for at least six months after symptoms improve to prevent relapsing. In some instances, a more extended treatment duration may be necessary.
If you think the current dosage of your antidepressant is not effective or if you’re experiencing side effects, it’s crucial to discuss it with your GP or psychiatrist. They may change the dosage or prescribe another type of antidepressant that might work better for you. However, it’s important not to stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.
Yes, you can switch to another one. If the current medication causes unpleasant side effects or shows no improvement in your condition, discuss trying a different type of antidepressant with your doctor. They may slowly decrease the dosage of the one you are taking while starting you on a new one.
Some antidepressants, particularly TCAs, may affect a person’s ability to regulate their temperature, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion during a heatwave. Individuals under this medication may be more sensitive to hot conditions, thus they sweat more and have a stronger tendency to faint or get sunburned.
If you’re taking TCAs during hot weather, it’s essential to avoid direct sunlight, use a high-protection sun cream, drink lots of water, and refrain from engaging in strenuous activities.
FREE Depression Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, there is hope and healing for you. You can receive treatment as an outpatient or inpatient and through one-on-one or support group therapy. We understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help and support.
We design personalised treatment plans that meet an individual’s unique needs and circumstances. We will work together to address your symptoms, help you develop coping strategies and enable you to live life to the full in a healthy and positive manner.
We also have a young people’s service which provides specialist depression treatment exclusively for adolescents and young people.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free depression assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
