Finding the Right Depression Medication
Although there is no cure for depression, there are ways to manage the symptoms and antidepressants are often one of the first steps. However, finding the right medication can be difficult for some as there are a lot of factors.
Are Antidepressants Right for You?
If antidepressants are something that you're considering you should have an in-depth conversation with your doctor, as depression medication isn’t right for everyone. If you've tried alternative therapies and haven't had much success, antidepressants may the right option; they could be enough to give you a boost back into your normal lifestyle and routine.
Sometimes an antidepressant can have the opposite effect and could actually make the depression worse. When starting a new medication, or increasing a dose, it's important to closely monitor your mood and behavior to ensure that you aren't having an adverse reaction to that particular antidepressant.
If you feel that the side effects are overwhelming, are having panic attacks, anxiety, or suffering from insomnia then talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication. If you find yourself having suicidal thoughts or feelings of self-harm, contact your physician or therapist immediately.
How to Find the Right Medication
Here are some things to consider when starting the search for the right medication:
- Be Patient: Most antidepressants take time to settle in to your system so relief of symptoms may not set in for a few weeks. It's important to be patient during this time because it may also take a few trials with different antidepressants before finding a medication that's suited to your needs.
- Symptoms: Those diagnosed with depression often suffer from many unpleasant symptoms and side effects, however not everybody has the same experience. Antidepressants are a great way to battle these symptoms but it's important to talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms and the severity of these symptoms so that they can narrow down which type of antidepressant would be best for you.
