What You Should Know Before Taking Antidepressants

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Many people take antidepressants to improve their mood and mental health. Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors, but they aren’t always the best solution for everyone. This blog post will discuss some of the things you should know before taking antidepressants. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.

Side Effects

You should know that antidepressants can cause side effects. Some people experience changes in appetite, while others suffer from sexual dysfunction. You may feel nauseous or tired at first. Dry mouth, headaches, restlessness, and diarrhea are also not uncommon during the first weeks of treatment. 

Don’t feel discouraged and give up if you experience this when you first start the medication. If you continue to take an antidepressant for a few months, these symptoms usually subside. However, you should know that these side effects are common for antidepressants and they usually go away within a few weeks of treatment. If they persist for months and are disruptive to your life, talk to your doctor about trying a different medication or changing your dosage.

Mixing With Other Medications

People who take certain medications may not be able to safely use an antidepressant medication as well. Drugs such as antibiotics can interact with antidepressants in ways that are dangerous or potentially fatal. You should always consult your doctor before you start taking any new medication, especially if the medication is designed to treat a mental health condition or illness. Even when considering an over-the-counter medication or supplement, make sure to research its possible interactions with your antidepressant.

Interaction With Alcohol

You should also know that antidepressants can interact with alcohol in ways that are dangerous as well. Alcohol and antidepressant medications do not mix well together at all. When these two substances combine, they reduce the effectiveness of both, which can result in serious side effects. The side effects of mixing these two substances can be so severe that it can be fatal in extreme cases. If you are taking antidepressant medication and plan to drink alcohol at all, talk with your pharmacy or doctor first so that he or she can prescribe an antidepressant that is right for you or provide you with important advice.

Lastly, antidepressants aren’t always the best solution for everyone who suffers from depression or another mental health condition. Some people who take antidepressants find that they can’t function while taking them and other medications may be more effective. For other people, the side effects of antidepressant drugs are too severe to justify treatment at all.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders; different solutions work better for different people. It’s important to work with a doctor who can help you find an effective treatment for your specific condition and circumstances, whether it is medication or another type of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Don’t be discouraged if your first treatment attempt doesn’t help, because different treatments work very differently for everyone.

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