I don't know anything about antidepressants
How long will I need to take them?
What will it do?
What won't it do?
How much does it cost?
Is that it? I just take them once and I'm cured?
I don't know anything about antidepressants
There are
different types of antidepressant medication (including St John's Wort, a herbal remedy). They are not addictive. They are designed to give you a boost and help you function, even on a basic level, so you can get your life back.
Each works slightly differently: one person may find Prozac works the best for him, another finds Wellbutrin or Effexor better. You may need to try a couple before you find the right antidepressant and dosage for you.
Your doctor will work with you to find the best medication and the right dosage for you. Everyone is different. Always tell your doctor about any side-effects or changes that you notice, so he/she can make sure it's working properly for you.
Don't mix over-the-counter medications with your prescribed ones; even if they are vitamins, or say "natural" or "herbal" there could still be harmful interactions. Be aware that St John's Wort is known to stop the contraceptive pill working properly - this is not the case with regularly prescribed antidepressants.
Always take your medication as prescribed. If it says twice a day, you will need to take your dose twice a day. If there are warnings about not taking with alcohol or other substances (including grapefruit) please be careful and follow the instructions.
How long will I need to take them?
Some people only need to take antidepressants for a few months, others for longer. Most of them will take 2-4 weeks before they start working, so keep taking them even if you don't notice anything right away. It may be a while before you see a difference, but other people around you may see the difference earlier.
It is often tempting to stop taking the medication when you feel better but it is very important to continue until you and your doctor both agree that it would be beneficial.
Be careful when stopping a course of antidepressants as some can have severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop too abruptly. (Effexor, also known as venlafaxine, is one.)
What will it do?
It won't change your personality, but it will stop you falling all the way. You might feel slightly numbed emotionally for a while. This is usually a good sign, because it means it's working. Don't stop taking your medication, even though it feels odd - your mind and body need this rest from the previous highs and lows.
What won't it do?
It's not a one-off fix. It will take a little while to work, and you may need to take more courses later if you find the depression coming back.
How much does it cost?
Not as much as you might think. Most co-pays are around $10/month for generics or $20/month for brand-name.
It may seem expensive, but it is important that you take the antidepressants prescribed for you. The long term cost otherwise may be much greater. Don't stop and start, as you won't get the benefit of the medication. Contact your health insurance company (VivaUAB if you are using the school insurer) for information.
Is that it? I just take them once and I'm cured?
It's not a cure, because you're not "sick". After you have been off the medication for a while - whether this is months or years - you may notice some depression creeping back in. Don't ignore it. You may need to take some antidepressants again, or have some counseling to help you deal with everything. This is normal. It doesn't mean they didn't work the first time, or that you're broken again. It just means this is an ongoing process and you need to monitor your mental health as well as your physical health - if you have migraines, you know they are likely to return and you just need to keep a watch on what's happening. It's the same way with depression. If you do seek help when you need it, you will find that you won't sink as low next time.