Is Depression Medication Right For
You?
Depression medication will probably be one of the first things
your doctor recommends once you are diagnosed with depression.
For many, taking a prescription drug for disorders such as
depression or anxiety can lead to feelings of inadequacy. A
person may wonder why they cannot pick themselves up and move
in a more positive direction without depression medication. The
answer is simple.
Depression is a Neurological Disorder
Despite claims from some people who still believe depression is
a personality weakness one must overcome, depression is indeed
a disease. Studies show that a lack of neurotransmitters in the
brain is to blame for many mood disorders, including
depression. Depression medication is simply a way to help your
body create more of those transmitters, called
neurotransmitters. These include serotonin, norepinephrine, and
dopamine, among others. These neurotransmitters, or brain
chemicals, are responsible for managing certain bodily
functions, such as sleeping, eating, and pain. For this reason,
antidepressants are often prescribed for conditions such as
bed-wetting, chronic pain, and eating disorders.
The Different Types of Depression Medication
Since there are several different types of brain chemicals that
are involved with mood disorders, there is a need to have
different medications to deal with them. Some medications deal
only with serotonin. These are called SSRIs, or serotonin
selective reuptake inhibiters. They work only to increase
levels of serotonin in the brain. Tricyclics work with both
serotonin and norpinephrine, and may also interact with other
chemicals in the body. Other depression medication includes
MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibiters. This class of drugs
works on an additional neurotransmitter, dopamine. MAOIs can be
dangerous to take, and have some restrictions attached to
them.
Which Depression Medication Do I Take?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to know which brain
chemicals you are lacking. Your doctor will be able to pick a
medication for you based on your symptoms. Certain criteria
will suggest use of an SSRI, which others will call for use of
a tricyclic medication. It is important to remember that
depression medication can take up to four weeks for the full
effects to be noticeable. Your doctor will monitor you closely,
and adjust the dose or medication if needed. Most treatment
options have few side effects, though your doctor may pick a
specific medication for you if have special needs. A history of
seizures, high blood pressure, or other diseases may interact
with some medications. Be sure to let your doctor know if you
have any specific conditions.
Is Depression Medication My Only Option?
No, medication is not your only option, but it may be your
best. Only you and your doctor can say for sure, as it will
depend on the severity of your symptoms. Many sufferers of mood
disorders claim that daily supplements of DHA, Omega 3-6-9, or
Flax Seed Oil, have helped tremendously. They are available
from your local health food store, and are the building blocks
of the amino acids and proteins your body needs to maintain
healthy brain function.
They are a healthy alternative, and in recommended doses, may
improve more than your mood. Some alternatives to depression
medication have effects that are yet to be proven effective.
Some say St. John’s Wort works well, but it can react badly to
prescription medications, so be sure to speak with your doctor
about taking it. Another supplement that claims to help
serotonin production is 5-HTP, which is also available at
health food stores everywhere.
Other than medicating yourself, you may consider therapy. Talk
therapy is very effective for depression, but is often used in
conjunction with medication. Only you and your doctor can
decide what is best for you. With depression, there are many
options available, and taking a depression medication sure
beats the symptoms of depression.
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