Depression...Part 3
From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Sat Mar 31 09:47:36 2001
ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS
http://www.body1.com/infoctr/f_cnd.cfm?BulletinID=22
Three groups of antidepressant medications are most often used to treat
depressive disorders: tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and
lithium. Lithium is the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder and some
forms of recurring, major depression. Sometimes your doctor will try a
variety of antidepressants before finding the medication or combination of
medications most effective for you. Sometimes the dosage must be increased
to be effective. Also, new types of antidepressants are being developed all
the time, and one of these may be the best for you.
There are now two new classes of antidepressants which are neither
tricyclics nor MAOIs, and which generally lack the side effects associated
with these two traditional classes of drugs. The first of these is
fluoxetine, a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor; the other is bupropion,
believed to act on the dopaminergic system.
Patients often are tempted to stop medication too soon. It is important to
keep taking medication until your doctor says to stop, even if you feel
better beforehand. Some medications must be stopped gradually to give your
body time to adjust. For individuals with bipolar disorder or chronic major
depression, medication may have to become part of everyday life to avoid
disabling symptoms.
Antidepressant drugs are not habit-forming, so you need not be concerned
about that. However, as is the case with any type of medication prescribed
for more than a few days, antidepressants have to be carefully monitored to
see if you are getting the correct dosage. Your doctor will want to check
the dosage and its effectiveness regularly.
If you are taking MAO inhibitors, you will have to avoid certain foods, such
as cheeses, wines, and pickles. Be sure you get a complete list of foods
you should not eat from your doctor and always carry it with you. Other
forms of antidepressants require no food restrictions.
Never mix medications of any kind--prescribed, over-the counter, or
borrowed -- without consulting your doctor. Be sure to tell your dentist or
any other medical specialist who prescribes a drug that you are taking
antidepressants. Some of the most benign drugs when taken alone can cause
severe and dangerous side effects if taken with others. Some drugs, like
alcohol, reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and should be avoided.
This includes wine, beer, and hard liquor.
Antianxiety drugs or sedatives are not antidepressants. They are sometimes
prescribed along with antidepressants; however, they should not be taken
alone for a depressive disorder. Sleeping pills and stimulants, such as
amphetamines, are also inappropriate.
Be sure to call your doctor if you have a question about any drug or if you
are having a problem you believe is drug related.
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