The brain chemical signals that play a role in depression are serotonin and dopamine. Antidepressant medicine focuses on regulating these signals. However, searching for the proper antidepressant medication is a "hit or miss."
Since everyone's brain chemistry is created differently, a prescription medication that works for one person may not work for another. Fortunately, some strategies can help you find the perfect psychiatry medication. Continue reading to learn the seven critical tips for exploring your medication options.
What Other Conditions Do You Have?
Certain antidepressants have multifunctional purposes. For example, Wellbutrin xl 150mg fights depression and smoking addiction. If you've been losing weight from a lack of food, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant known to stimulate weight gain.
Tricyclic antidepressants are beneficial for depressed patients with neuropathy. If you struggle with bedwetting, you can try Tofranil (imipramine).
What Side Effects Have You Experienced?
If you've previously taken an antidepressant, your doctor will want to know about potential side effects. For example, If an SNRI gives you constipation, you may want another option. Usually, it's the Norepinephrine in SNRI that causes bowel issues, so your doctor will prescribe an SSRI instead.
What Additional Medications Are You Taking?
Certain drugs, like antibiotics and steroids, might interact with antidepressants. That means your doctor needs to know what medications you're taking to make the best recommendation.
Are You Breast-Feeding?
Some antidepressants can transfer to breast milk or alter pregnancy hormones like prolactin. For example, it's best to avoid Doxepin while breastfeeding. Doxepin can travel to the breastmilk and cause respiratory issues in your infant.
On and Off-Label Uses
On-label usage refers to medications that the FDA approves for that indication. Off-label use does not imply that the medication is ineffective. Instead, it indicates that the drug has not yet received FDA clearance for that specific medical condition. Keep in mind that certain doctors are more likely to explore off-label prescription drugs than others.
Cost and Health Insurance
Some antidepressants are expensive, so inquire about generics and examine their efficacy. Make sure to see if your health insurance covers the drug. Check out other restrictions on the kind that are covered.
Does It Work for Your Relatives?
Check to see how well an antidepressant works for your first-degree relatives. For example, ask your brother how he is coping with a specific drug.
If it works well for him, it has a higher chance of being therapeutic for you. Plus, if a certain antidepressant was beneficial in the past for you, it might be effective again.
Learning More About Choosing the Right Antidepressant Medicine
It may take some trial and error to find the best antidepressants for you. When you begin a new drug, keep a close eye on your symptoms for a couple of weeks. Don't forget to communicate your findings to your healthcare provider.
Prepare for an open and honest discussion about your experience, like what works and what doesn't. Your physician will help you establish the best course of action in picking the right antidepressant medicine. Antidepressant drugs are tough to tackle; check out our blog posts for more information.
