Antidepressants

Antidepressant medications are most commonly used to help relieve the distress of depression or anxiety. They are also used to help with other conditions, such as bulimia and chronic pain.

These medications help many people with mental health problems. However, they don’t work for everyone, and even when they do work well, they can only do so much. They often work best when they are combined with talk therapy, support from family and friends, and self-care, such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep. Learning how to live well in spite of your distress is also important.

Antidepressant medications can take up to several weeks to be fully effective. Early signs that the medication is working include improved sleep, appetite and energy. Improvement in mood usually comes later.

 

Contents

• Do I need treatment?
• What do antidepressants do?
• Side-effects
• Types of antidepressants
• Starting and stopping antidepressants
• Antidepressants, other drugs and driving
• Antidepressants, sexuality and pregnancy
• Is age an issue?
• Where can I get more information about antidepressants?
• How can I find treatment or a support group?

 

^{From: Understanding psychiatric medications: Antidepressants - Information for consumers, families and friends (© 2009 CAMH)}

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