Medication use is a common approach to treating depression, recommended by psychiatrists depending on the type and severity of depression.
Medications used to treat depression can help relieve symptoms related to mood, energy and sleep by regulating brain chemicals.
When do antidepressants start working?
Antidepressants generally start working within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment.
What are the side effects of antidepressants?
Common side effects may include nausea, increased anxiety, diarrhoea or constipation, reduced sexual desire, changes in sleep and appetite, palpitations, excessive sweating and dizziness.
When do the side effects of antidepressants go away?
Antidepressants may cause some side effects in the first few days of treatment, although these vary from person to person. The side effects mentioned above generally subside within a week or ten days. Not every patient experiences side effects. If your symptoms are severe, you should contact your doctor.
Are medications used to treat major depression addictive?
The antidepressants used in treatment are not addictive. However, if a person stops taking their medication early, before treatment is complete, their symptoms may return and they may experience symptoms of abrupt discontinuation.
Is it risky to stop antidepressants suddenly?
Stopping antidepressants suddenly without medical supervision may cause withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms are dizziness, a sense of imbalance, lightheadedness when walking, headache and insomnia. Anxiety, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, flu-like symptoms and nausea may also occur.
How long do antidepressant discontinuation symptoms last?
Symptoms generally resolve within a few weeks. Some antidepressants cause withdrawal symptoms sooner than others, while others cause fewer symptoms that develop more slowly. The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the individual's characteristics and the antidepressant prescribed. Even after withdrawal symptoms resolve, abruptly stopping antidepressants may cause an early relapse of the illness.
