Most medications are straight forward and easy for a Doctor to prescribe. They know the normal usage, and the normal outcome. When it comes to prescribing an anti depressant life suddenly becomes much more complicated.
Each anti depressant also has an associated set of side effects which must be evaluated for the patient, further complicating the proper choice. One of the most popular anti depressant types is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Sexual side effects, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, and headaches are common side effects of SSRI medications. The sexual side effects are one of the most common reasons that men and women will often quit taking their SSRI anti depressant.
SNRI’s (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are another common form of anti depressant prescribed. A Doctor may choose an SNRI over a SSRI in situations the patient is on another medication which may interfere with an SSRI. SNRI’s also have a wide range of side effects, including constipation, weight loss, increased heart rate, and even increased cholesterol levels. You can also have most of the same side effects included in a SSRI.
Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRI’s) is one medication which includes other benefits along with the side effects. NDRI’s can be used as a successful treatment for with patients with attention deficit disorder, or even for people wishing to quit smoking. This anti depressant includes most of the side effects of the SSRI’s, but with one glaring difference. NDRI’s normally do not cause sexual problems, and are often considered when other medications are creating sexual problems for patients.
The same problems occur in all other families of anti depressant medications, and you must keep your Doctor informed of any side effects you or a family member are experiencing. Your Doctor may choose to change dosage, or even change to a different form of anti depressant. It is critical you work with your Doctor as a partner on your treatment, and always keep them fully informed. The Doctor can only make the appropriate changes with clear feedback from you.
The challenge for anyone who is undergoing treatment for depression, and for their families, is being patient. You are desperately wanting the symptoms to decrease, and being able to start living a more normal life once again. You will need to understand the nature of finding the proper medication, and be prepared for the treatment to not be instantaneous. The good news, you are taking action, you are taking steps forward, and with persistence, you will find the proper anti depressant and be on the road to recovery.
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