An antidepressant is a prescription medication that is normally used and approved to treat the symptoms of depression also known as “dysthymia”. While these drugs may work differently, for each person they generally work by increasing certain brain chemicals. There are a variety of anatidrepessansts available such as tricyclic-antidepressants, MAOIs, SSRIs, and SNRIs. Before the intake of an antidepressant, make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or have any chronic conditions, or have bipolar disorder. Although the above drugs are effective and prescribed by psychiatrists the world over; their side effects are a subject of concern to many.

Most antidepressants are taken over a course of weeks, months or even years, as the onset of action is very slow. They are also used in treatment of various other disorders like anxiety, mood disorder, chronic pain and other hormone-mediated conditions. These antidepressants are also used hand in hand with anticonvulsants to treat ADHD and other depression related problems.

Antipsychotics (low doses) and benzodiazepines are also used to treat depression. These two drugs are not known as antidepressants but they are useful drugs to manage people suffering from depression. A doctor should monitor the consumption of benzodiapine because if this drug is not administered properly there is a risk of physical dependency. Severe withdrawal symptoms are observed if patients stop the drug benzodiazepine abruptly. In some countries the extract of a herb known as St Johns Wort is labeled as a dietary supplement but it is also believed to be a antidepressant. Psychotherapy, electro-convulsive therapy or acupuncture are also labeled as antidepressant therapy because it improves a clinically depressed mood.

The side effects of antidepressants can defer depending on the type of antidepressant you consume. Side effects vary from person to person depending upon the individual’s response and the drugs prescribed also determine the side effects on an individual. The most common side effects are nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, problems with sexual health, dizziness, problems sleeping, drowsiness, weight changes and anxiety or agitation.

Given below are some myths related to the side effects of antidepressants

It is believed that weight gain is a side effect of antidepressant drugs such as Zoloft or Prozac , but the actual fact is that it is not so. There is no medical theory to prove this fact but other side effects like fatigue, blurred vision and dry mouth can be felt. Sexual performance may wan but side effects vary from person to person.

It is believed that consuming the drug Prozac makes a person feel better and happier, and it is nearly true. About 70% of the people who took this drug felt better and happier than before. Thus it is seen that dealing with depression does not take months.

It is believed that once you start taking antidepressants you have to take the lifelong, but it is not true. Most people take the prescription for about a year and a half which depends on their experience and level of depression. After a severe depressive phase is overcome a doctor may prescribe a lower dose of antidepressants.

It is believed that Prozac makes people feel high and happy all the time but the reality is that these drugs make people feel normal like how it was before the depression took over them. They don’t feel exhausted or heavy.
It is believed that antidepressants are addictive but in reality it can be waned off. It may take some time but it is recommended to taper it off slowly with the help of a doctor’s advice.

It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before consuming any antidepressant because each one will respond differently to the same medicine and the doctor will prescribe the best one that suits your body type.

Medicines for Anti Depressants:

• Generic Asendin
• Generic Aventyl
• Generic Celexa
• Generic Cymbalta
• Generic Desyrel
• Generic Effexor
• Generic Elavil
• Generic Endep
• Generic Geodon
• Generic Lexapro
• Generic Loxitane
• Generic Luvox
• Generic Pamelor
• Generic Paxil
• Generic Paxil Cr
• Generic Prozac
• Generic Rapiflux
• Generic Sarafem
• Generic Seroquel
• Generic Sinequan
• Generic Wellbutrin Sr
• Generic Zoloft
• Generic Zyban Sr
• Generic Zyprexa