Symptoms of a Drug Prescription
DRUG FACTS
Increase Your Awareness with Basic Facts About Antidepressant Drugs
*Picture displayed are of general pills and should not be used as a pill identifier.
The following highlights the facts. More information can be obtained through the sites listed below as well as many other informational sites regarding prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Medication facts can change. Make sure you have all up-to-date information.
Basic Facts about Antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescription medications to treat depression.
Health care providers may prescribe antidepressants for anxiety, chronic pain or insomnia.
Most of the newer antidepressants belong to one of these three groups:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Atypical antidepressants, which are newer antidepressants that don’t fit into the other groups
Other antidepressants are in the following groups:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs)
A medication classified as an antidepressant can have possible side effects
The most common side effects from antidepressants include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
- Sleepiness
- Sexual problems, such as a lack of desire or ability to have sex
These are only some of the common side effects. It is important that you check the medication guide for precautions and possible side effects for the antidepressant you are prescribed.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience anything that is not normal for you, call your health care provider immediately.
Sometimes an antidepressant helps at first, but symptoms return while you’re still taking it.
In general, what can I do to take antidepressants safely?
- Inform your health care provider about any medicines, herbs, supplements and over-the-counter medicines, such as pain relievers and decongestants
- Be honest about use of recreational drugs and alcohol
- Check that the refill is the same medication. Different generic may contain different inactive ingredient(s)
- Try to get all your medicines from the same pharmacy for possible interactions
- Follow all instructions and verify how to properly take your medicine, such as with or without food, foods to avoid, when to take, and even cutting the pill if advised
- Discuss any side effects with your provider
- Know the side effects of the medication. Remember, side effects may occur anytime while taking any medications. If you feel something is wrong, inform your health care provider immediately
- Never stop taking antidepressants without your provider’s help
- Be aware that antidepressant withdrawal can occur
Important Warning when taking Antidepressants
In some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may be more likely to think about hurting or killing themselves when starting antidepressants or when the dose is changed. Get medical help right away if this happens.
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Sources used:
- MedlinePlus, Antidepressants, accessed September 7, 2024, 2024
- WebMD, Antidepressant withdrawal, accessed September 7, 2024
- National Library of Medicine, accessed September 9, 2024
Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
Medical Disclaimer:
We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the Website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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