Poorly chosen antidepressants can cause a variety of symptoms. These are not always symptoms related to the side effects of a given drug. Sometimes the effects of treatment are insufficient or the patient simply does not tolerate the preparation. In both situations, treatment may need to be modified. What problems might indicate that the patient has poorly chosen antidepressants?

Depressive disorders are one of the most common he alth problems of the human population today. Currently, it is estimated thatworldwide has an estimated 350 million peoplesuffering from depression. The situation is also serious in our country, where, according to statistics, up to 1.5 million Poles may struggle withdepression. Not all people with depression report to the appropriate specialists, therefore the real number of patients suffering from this mental disorder is probably much higher.

Depression is treated with two basic methods. I am talking about:

  • psychotherapy
  • and pharmacotherapy.

Drug treatment of depression - contrary to appearances - is safe. Thanks to well-chosen antidepressants, the patient's condition may improve and depressive symptoms may subside. Sometimes it is possible to choose the right antidepressant right away for a given patient. However, there are cases when it takes a little longer.

Ill-chosen antidepressants - symptoms

Patients who are prescribed antidepressants are informed about several aspects:

  • the period of their application,
  • when the first effects appeared
  • and possible side effects.

Usually the most difficult period of therapy is the first two weeks after starting antidepressants. During this time, the side effects are usually at their highest.

They can be very different, but the most common are such ailments as:

  • headaches,
  • sleepiness,
  • changes in appetite (its increase or decrease),
  • sexual dysfunction (e.g. decreased libido or erectile dysfunction),
  • insomnia,
  • stomach pains,
  • nausea,
  • dizziness,
  • diarrhea,
  • concentration disorders,
  • muscle tremors.

Many patients do not experience any side effects after starting antidepressants. In others, they occur and - as mentioned above - disappear after a few, up to a dozen or so days.

If the time has passed since taking the first tablet, and various side effects still persist, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

The need to change antidepressants may be indicated, for example, by :

  • persistent daytime sleepiness,
  • chronic headaches
  • Does a decrease in appetite,
  • and sleep problems.

The decision to discontinue the drug and replace it with another, should be made by the patient together with the doctor. All because sometimes the troublesome side effects can go away with really minor modifications to the treatment.

For example, it may happen that in a patient taking antidepressants in the evening and who experiences insomnia, changing the time of taking the medication to the morning will lead to the resolution of sleep problems.

Any changes to treatment should ultimately be made with caution. It is always necessary to assess whether any losses outweigh the benefits of the treatment. It may turn out, for example, that the effects obtained with the use of a given preparation exceed the minor degree of sexual dysfunction, etc.

Ill-matched antidepressants - no treatment effects

Sometimes modifications of pharmacological treatment are necessary not because of the side effects of antidepressants in patients, but because of the lack of effects of pharmacotherapy.

Doctors emphasize that antidepressants do not work right away.The first effects of taking them usually appear after 2-3 weeks , and the final results may develop even after 12 weeks.

Before changing the antidepressant, it is important to make sure that you are taking your medications regularly and taking them in the correct dose.

In psychiatry, the principle is followed that the patient should take the lowest effective dose of antidepressants.

If the patient is taking antidepressants but their condition does not improve, consider increasing their dosage.

It may happen that a patient will take the maximum possible dose of a given antidepressant - in this case, a decision is usually made to switch to another drug.

Incorrectly selected antidepressants - remarkably good treatment effects

Sometimes the effects of antidepressant treatment surprise both the patient and himloved ones. During therapy, the patient may have a significantly elevated mood, have much more energy to act or lose the need for sleep. Some people may also complain of racing thoughts, becoming cheerful or irritable.

When the effects of using antidepressants seem to be excessively excessive, a psychiatrist needs to be consulted. There is a certain condition that is associated with depressive episodes and in the case of which monotherapy with antidepressants is definitely not recommended.

The condition in question is bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder). It may involve both manic and depressive episodes. Sometimes an episode of depressed mood is the first manifestation of this condition.

In the treatment of bipolar disorder, mood-stabilizing drugs are primarily used. Antidepressants are also used here, but not as the only preparations taken by the patient.

In bipolar disorder, antidepressants should not be the only drugs taken by the patient, as they may induce a manic episode.

For this reason, a patient who notices a significant elevation of mood after starting antidepressant drugs should definitely see a doctor.

  • Treatment of depression. How to treat depression?
  • Antidepressants: use, action, side effects, addiction
  • Psychotropic drugs - action, types and side effects of psychotropic use

Category:

Psychology