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Take control of life with Antidepressants

With the number of people being diagnosed with depression rising each year, there is greater pressure on the medical staff and companies to provide solutions, either short or long term. One common form of medication is antidepressants which has been offered to sufferers since 1950s and is more popular today than they have ever been. Currently, there are less than 30 different varieties of antidepressants available and they can be separated into four main kinds.

The four main types of antidepressants are:

• Tricyclics
• MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
• SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)

Although an exact definition of how antidepressants works has never been fully divulged, it is known that they operate by increasing particular chemicals that operate in the brain. These chemicals assist with passing signals from one brain cell to another brain cell.

Although the name of the drug would suggest that antidepressants are used to improve the condition of people suffering from depression, it can also be used for many other sufferers. It has been known for medication to be administered to people suffering from severe anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorders and chronic pain. It is sometimes even used as a natural high. This wide range of ailments can all be assisted by taking antidepressants and this is a key factor in its current popularity.

Studies into the long term effects of antidepressants have shown a great number of benefits. In one study which lasted for three months, over 50% of users were found to have a noticeable improvement in their condition. This correlates with other studies which indicate that 50 to 60% of people using antidepressants will notice a positive reaction.

However, it is also noted that 25% to 30% who are given a placebo drug for the same time period will also notice an improvement in their condition. This causes concern about merits of thought medication for this sort of ailment and condition. Many drugs have side affects which can reduce the overall benefit experienced by any user which may make a placebo a far more positive offering. People who are opposed to offering this style of medication to users will point to this evidence but there has been enough medical research to state that antidepressants can have a positive impact on many people.

As antidepressants have been given to clients for over 50 years now there is undoubtedly going to be differences between original medication and more modern ones. Most current research indicates that the older tablets remain as effective in battling depression as the modern brands. However, one advantage held by modern medicine is that there are fewer side effects associated with the recent batch of antidepressants.

However, all forms of medication have side effects and antidepressants are no different. Some of the side effects associated with this form of medication are now listed below:

• Dry mouth
• Faster Heartbeat
• Constipation
• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Confusion
• Reduced sex drive
• Indigestion
• Rise in blood pressure

Clearly there are many issues and side effects to be aware of when using antidepressants but as can be seen, a large number of the side effects are not overly serious. There is no doubt that constipation, tiredness and indigestion are all inconvenient and unpleasant to have; but it is also true that none of them will have a largely detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life.

Some of the other side effects associated with antidepressants may cause a decrease in the quality of life experience by a person. Having a reduction in sex drive or on men encountering problems with erectile dysfunction could lead to other problems of psychological nature. Also, as some forms of antidepressants have been known to cause weight gain in users, potential users need to be aware of this situation.

As is common with many forms of medication, it is advised that operating heavy machinery or driving should not be undertaken shortly after using antidepressants. This is a fairly standard warning offered by the majority of drug manufacturers; however it is usually given for a reason. Sometimes, this situation may be unavoidable but if it can be avoided it would be wise to do so.

Another area of concern for many users is becoming addicted to drugs and while antidepressants do not cause the same addiction that is associated with alcohol, nicotine of tranquilizers it is still possible to become addicted.  However, there have been many findings of people who use medication experiencing withdrawal like symptoms. This means that although this form of medication may be safer than many other drugs on the market it is still not completely safe to use. People who are concerned about possibly becoming addicted to antidepressants should explain their fears to their doctor.

As stated, some users have noted experiencing withdrawal like symptoms after using medication and if you experience any of the following sensations, you may wish to inform your doctor. Some of the symptoms include having an upset stomach, anxiety, dizziness, dreams of a particularly vivid nature, suffering what appear to be electric shocks and symptoms close to the common flu and cold. In any of the above case it is always worth visiting your local medical practitioner and explaining what you are going through.

Of a more worrying concern, is the link between using antidepressants and experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies? This has been particularly noted in younger people and research continues to find the full extent of the situation. This is why certain brands of medicine have not been licensed to be given to people under the age of eighteen years old. It is advised that any youngster undertaking a series of antidepressants should be monitored closely in case they exhibit any signs for concern.

One common problem with antidepressants is that they can take a while to achieve results. This means that quite often people may believe they are experiencing no benefit from taking medication and may give up earlier than advised. Doing so will make it harder to overcome depression and quite often users who stop taking medicine before they are advised to stop, will experience longer lasting periods of depression.

It is also advised that people should not mix this medication with alcohol. Anyone experiencing depression would be advised to avoid alcohol, as it acts as a depressant but it should definitely not be mixed with antidepressants. People who do mix these substances usually find themselves to be slow and drowsy.

Both positive & negative effects are associated with antidepressants. No one should underestimate how unpleasant depression is and how much it can impact and affect a person. Antidepressants can provide help and support to these people and to their friends and loved ones. The following reasons are all valid points as to why people should take antidepressants.

• It can allow them to live their lives as normal
• It can speed up the process of defeating depression
• It can reduce temper
• It can make life more bearable for people close to the patient

Although this form of medication can be extremely helpful, other steps in addition to medication should always be taken. Many users can find it extremely helpful to undergo therapy to discuss issues that cause depression. This can be of great help to many sufferers and should always be considered by your doctor or by yourself.

In addition to the current batch of drugs offered, there are a number of herbal remedies which some people may wish to consider. There is a lot of help and assistance available for sufferers of depression and no one needs to feel alone with their problems any more. Whether its through medical help or therapy, people can find a cure for depression.