Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat clinical depression. When combined with other forms of treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressants have been found to reduce symptoms of mental illness effectively. As with many other medications, some patients may experience adverse side effects from taking antidepressant medication.
At the Atlanta Center for Mental Health, our trained professionals develop treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs, including medication as the first form of treatment if necessary. They also understand how the benefits of medication treatment far outweigh any side effects. To learn more about how antidepressants may help alleviate your symptoms of depression, reach out to a clinician today by calling 833.625.0458.
Mental Health Treatment Options
There are many options for treating mental health conditions, including medication. However, the road to finding the best regimen for a patient’s specific needs can be challenging. Physicians must carefully evaluate several factors to determine which antidepressants to prescribe, including:
- Patient’s physical health and other medical conditions
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Other drugs or medications being taken
- Mental health condition
- Possible side effects
These factors may increase or change the side effects associated with antidepressant use and, therefore, efficacy. It is up to your mental health professional to determine the best approach to prescribing the right medication for you. The first step in identifying the appropriate medication with the least adverse effects is honesty. Patients must be honest about their responses to each determining factor to ensure the best possible result.
Depression Treatment
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe depression in adults. A delicate balance exists between the type and dose of medication prescribed and determined by a physician. Patients are then carefully monitored for improvement of symptoms as well as any side effects that may arise.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for mild to moderate symptoms of depression. If symptoms have not improved after several weeks or side effects are severe, your physician may elect to prescribe an alternate medication such as serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
The mental health professionals at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health are well versed and knowledgeable about the many treatment options. Reach out to learn more about how antidepressants may help you relieve your symptoms of depression by using the online form or calling 833.625.0458.
Common Side Effects Of Antidepressants
Side effects of taking any medication are common and must be closely monitored by a physician. However, patients must continue treatment even if experiencing side effects since it may take several weeks for the body to adjust and any impact to be recognized. With time the benefits will outweigh any side effects, which may vary depending on the prescribed medication, dose, and other factors.
Common side effects may include:
- Irritability and heightened sensitivity
- Anxiety and agitation
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
There are other potentially dangerous health risks with long-term use of antidepressants, including serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, diabetes, and suicidal thoughts.
Learn More About Depression Treatment in Atlanta
While taking antidepressants to ease the symptoms of depression is an important part of a depression treatment program, it is also important that patients are aware of and can recognize side effects. Be sure to alert a friend or family member know about your diagnosis and treatment plan so they can also monitor changes in your behavior for possible harmful side effects.
At the Atlanta Center for Mental Health in Georgia, we keep our patients’ overall well-being in mind. If you or a loved one is concerned about possible side effects of antidepressants or want to learn more about treatment for depression, reach out to a clinician today by calling 833.625.0458 or using the online form.
Atlanta Center for Mental Health is a free-standing, non-hospital-setting, residential facility that treats co-occurring mental health disorders along with primary mental health diagnoses. Our goal is to transform your life and put you on the path to wellness and recovery.