Many people who experience depression find relief through prescription depression medications; however, it is very important that these medications be considered carefully. Prescription depression medications are quite powerful and can have negative side effects. Follow the basic information presented here to help you make good choices about prescription depression medications.
Commonly Prescription Depression Medications
If you feel you are in need of an anti-depressant medication, you must speak to your doctor. He or she may write you a prescription, run a battery of tests and/or give you a referral to counseling. If your doctor runs tests and finds that your blood levels are lacking in dopamine and/or serotonin, you will probably receive a prescription to correct this physical problem on the spot. If a lack of serotonin or dopamine is not to blame for your depression, your doctor will be more likely to refer you on to counseling.
If your doctor does prescription depression medications for you, be certain it is one you can afford and/or one that is covered by your health insurance. Talk with your doctor about the cost of the medication and find out if there are less expensive generics available if the cost is prohibitive or your insurance won’t cover the medication that has been prescribed. Additionally, there may be programs available to help you procure your medication. The most important thing is that you begin your medication as soon as it is prescribed. It takes a while for anti-depressants to kick in, so the sooner you start taking yours, the better.
Be sure to read all of the information that comes with your medication and do some online research. Many anti-depressants have strong side-effects. Read through the literature early on. If you see that there is a high likelihood of being affected by side-effects and/or if the effects are unacceptable to you, see your doctor. In any event, be aware of all possible side-effects so that you can identify and address them right away should they occur.
Common Drugs and Prescription Depression Medications
Don’t feel self-conscious about taking anti-depressants. This is actually nobody’s business but your own. Properly prescribed and dosed anti-depressants will not hamper your ability to interview well, be hired to a good job and perform that job efficiently. Within the hiring and employment process, the only time you should have to disclose information about any prescription depression medications you are taking is in the event you are subjected to a drug screening.
If you are unhappy with your medication, don’t just stop cold-turkey! See your doctor to discuss any problems you are having. Your doctor may wish to adjust your dosage or wean you off one medication and begin an alternative. It is very important that any changes made to a regimen of anti-depressant drugs be made with a doctor’s supervision.
Depression that cannot be managed through diet, exercise and other positive life-style changes can often be managed very effectively with prescription anti-depressants. Follow the information presented here to approach your physician and make the very best choices about medication therapy for depression.