Did you know that about 300 million people around the world suffer from depression?
Although many people suffer from depression, many of them do not receive treatment for it. It is essential to ask for help and find the best treatment option for you.
If you want to know how to get prescribed antidepressants, you came to the right place. Read on to learn more about antidepressants and how to get on them.
What Are Antidepressants?
An antidepressant is a medication that helps treat depression and other mental health problems.
Antidepressants help change neurotransmitters in your brain by improving your mood and emotions.
It is important to remember that depression is not only caused by chemical imbalances in your brain. Traumatic life events, relationship problems cause it, and the type of lifestyle you are living.
If you do decide to start taking antidepressants, you must do research and know your options. It is also helpful to do moderate exercise to help your body produce endorphins, consider going to therapy as well.
How to get Prescribed Antidepressants
Make an appointment with a Doctor
The first step of getting better is admitting you need help so that you can start on the road to recovery.
If you feel you are suffering from depression, and feel you need treatment, make an appointment with your doctor to ask questions and find solutions.
Making an appointment with a psychiatrist is more recommended than a general practitioner. If you don’t have access to a psychiatrist, you should see a general practitioner.
A psychiatrist has more knowledge and has a better understating of depression, and they can diagnose you better. They will be able to prescribe the best medication for you. If you want to get help for your depression, check this out!
Types of Antidepressants
There are a lot of antidepressants out there that can help treat your depression as well as anxiety and other symptoms. It is essential finding the right one for you.
Your doctor will consider the following before prescribing you antidepressants such as your medical history, your symptoms, possible side effects, other medicine interactions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Antidepressants affect certain neurotransmitters in your brains, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Typically doctors start by prescribing Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs. This antidepressant tends to cause fewer side effects. If this doesn’t work for you, the other antidepressant they can prescribe for you is serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, also known as SNRIs.
If you have tried many antidepressants and they aren’t working for you, your doctor can prescribe Tricyclic antidepressant or Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors. Due to the strong side effects, these medications are not prescribed that often.
Side Effects
Everyone is different and reacts differently to medications. Antidepressants don’t work for everyone because of side effects.
The first few weeks of taking antidepressants are when people tend to notice side effects. Some people stop taking antidepressants because they can’t handle the side effects.
The most dangerous side effect is an increase in suicidal thoughts. It is prevalent for teens and young adults. It is crucial to contact your doctor if you experience an increase in suicidal thoughts.
Although antidepressants can help improve your mood, in the long run, some other side effects you can experience are headaches, upset stomach, fatigue, and restlessness.
How to Get Prescribed Antidepressants
Now that you know how to get antidepressants and understand the side-effects, it’s time you decide for yourself. Talk to your doctor so he can help you determine if they’re right for you.
If you want to read more posts about the importance of mental health, check out the rest of our site.