 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright 2006 www.stopdepressiontoday.com
How long will it take to feel better?
Antidepressants do not work immediately. Several days, and often several weeks may pass before they become effective. It is unfortunate that the benefit is delayed, especially since side effects may begin right away. It is important not to get discouraged and give up on the medication or take extra amounts of medication on your own to try to get better faster.
Should I take antidepressant medication just when I feel depressed?
NO! To be effective, antidepressants must be taken regularly until depression lifts, and then they are usually continued for 4 months to a year to prevent relapse of the depression. Depression usually begins to lift in 7 to 14 days-sometimes sooner, sometimes later.
How much medicine will I take?
Different patients may require different amounts of a drug to achieve the same benefit, but see this page for a general guideline.
What can I do about the lightheaded feelings I get when I stand up?
Lightheadedness occuring on arising from lying down or sitting postions is usually due to a temporary fall in blood pressure, which can be caused or aggravated by some of the antidepressant drugs. Such symptoms, if they occur at all, are mild and can be relieved by getting up slowly-sitting for several seconds before standing rather than standing up quickly. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, or the symptoms may get worse.
Antidepressants do not work immediately. Several days, and often several weeks may pass before they become effective. It is unfortunate that the benefit is delayed, especially since side effects may begin right away. It is important not to get discouraged and give up on the medication or take extra amounts of medication on your own to try to get better faster.
Should I take antidepressant medication just when I feel depressed?
NO! To be effective, antidepressants must be taken regularly until depression lifts, and then they are usually continued for 4 months to a year to prevent relapse of the depression. Depression usually begins to lift in 7 to 14 days-sometimes sooner, sometimes later.
How much medicine will I take?
Different patients may require different amounts of a drug to achieve the same benefit, but see this page for a general guideline.
What can I do about the lightheaded feelings I get when I stand up?
Lightheadedness occuring on arising from lying down or sitting postions is usually due to a temporary fall in blood pressure, which can be caused or aggravated by some of the antidepressant drugs. Such symptoms, if they occur at all, are mild and can be relieved by getting up slowly-sitting for several seconds before standing rather than standing up quickly. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, or the symptoms may get worse.
Will antidepressants cause me to gain weight?
Depression causes many people to lose weight by taking away appetite and interest in food. When depression lessons, good appetite returns and the lost weight may be regained. Some antidepressants may also increase appetite, cause cravings for sweets, and/or alter how calories are processed and stored in the body. The side effect of weight gain is common with most tricyclic antidepressants, MAOI's, and lithium but is far less likely to occur with the newer antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, and Desyrel.
What's the difference between the generic and trade names of drugs?
Generic names are the names given to chemical compounds. Trade names are used by drug companies to identify their particular brand of a generic drug. Generic name drugs are often less expensive than trade-name drugs. Although both types contain the same amount of antidepressant, they may differ in bioavailability (the amount of drug getting into the body and reaching the sites of action in the brain). Because of possible differences in bioavailability, it may be best to continue with a single brand throught a course of treatment.
Depression causes many people to lose weight by taking away appetite and interest in food. When depression lessons, good appetite returns and the lost weight may be regained. Some antidepressants may also increase appetite, cause cravings for sweets, and/or alter how calories are processed and stored in the body. The side effect of weight gain is common with most tricyclic antidepressants, MAOI's, and lithium but is far less likely to occur with the newer antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, and Desyrel.
What's the difference between the generic and trade names of drugs?
Generic names are the names given to chemical compounds. Trade names are used by drug companies to identify their particular brand of a generic drug. Generic name drugs are often less expensive than trade-name drugs. Although both types contain the same amount of antidepressant, they may differ in bioavailability (the amount of drug getting into the body and reaching the sites of action in the brain). Because of possible differences in bioavailability, it may be best to continue with a single brand throught a course of treatment.
FAQ'S About Antidepressant Medication