Is antidepressant medicine treatment right for me?
Folks often have interesting ideas about psychiatric medication. People may have concerns about potential side effects or dependency. It’s helpful to have an open discussion with health providers to address any doubts and make informed decisions about medication used for mental health treatment. Each person’s experience with psychiatric medication can be unique.
Antidepressants
It’s important to remember that misconceptions about antidepressant medication can prevent people from seeking the help they may urgently need. Individual experiences with antidepressants can vary, and a personalized treatment plan should be tailored to each person’s needs.
Many people believe that mental health medications believe antidepressants alter your personality. This is not true. The goal of medication treatment is to help you feel more like yourself, not less. Most of these medications work by correcting a chemical imbalance in your brain, which in turn can help you feel better and function well in your daily life.
Common misconceptions
- Antidepressants are nothing more than “happy pills” that can make you feel constantly happy.
- They are addictive and can lead to substance misuse.
- Antidepressants are only for people with severe depression, not for mild cases.
- Taking antidepressants means you are weak or unable to cope with your emotions.
- Antidepressants change your personality or make you a different person.
- They work immediately, providing instant relief from depression.
- Once you start taking antidepressants, you’ll have to take them for the rest of your life.
- You don’t need therapy if you’re on antidepressants; the medication is enough.
- Antidepressants are harmful and cause more harm than good.
- Taking antidepressants is a sign of personal failure or weakness.
A recent survey asked 2,000 US adults about the stigma that is often perceived about mental health medication. It found that 2 out of 5 US adults have taken medication for their mental health, and over 80% say it has been effective. Unfortunately, 66% also say they delayed treatment due to stigma, fear, or misinformation. (https://www.tryminded.com/blog/mental-health-medication-myths)
Safety
Mental health medication, like any other pharmaceutical, is extensively researched and tested in clinical trials before it is available on the market. Antidepressants are generally safe and well tolerated, but all medications have potential side effects and risks, and your provider should discuss those with you when talking about the potential benefits.
Side effects
All medications have potential side effects, mental health medication included. Providers usually only prescribe a medication of any kind when they think the benefits outweigh the potential risks (including negative side effects). When you start taking a mental health medication, your provider will likely start you on a lower dose to reduce the risk of adverse side effects. Common side effects of some of the more popular mental health medications, like antidepressants, are typically mild and decrease after the first few weeks of taking the med. If they continue or get worse, talk to your prescribing doctor, nurse practitioner, or Minded psychiatry provider about changing your dose, trying a new medication, or adding another medication to counteract the negative effects.
Duration of treatment
Stopping medication suddenly is not recommended because sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be both uncomfortable and serious. But if you and your provider decide it’s time for you to stop your meds, there are safe ways to do it slowly. This method involves gradually tapering your dose down, but it should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional who can monitor your symptoms.
Addiction?
Certain controlled mental health medications, like Xanax, Ativan, and other benzodiazepines, do come with a risk of physical or psychological dependence with long term use. For that reason, they are usually prescribed short-term, and the risk of abuse or dependence is rare except in people with a previous history of substance use disorders. More commonly prescribed antidepressants like Lexapro and Zoloft, and many others are not habit-forming.
Lifestyle changes that can help.
Research evidence shows healthy routines like good sleep hygiene, exercise, and nutrition play a role in keeping people physically and mentally healthy—and your mental health provider may recommend them. But for some people, working out, a healthier diet, and better night’s sleep may not be enough on their own, which is where other forms of treatment, like therapy and medication come in. Oftentimes, taking mental health medication can even make it easier to put those lifestyle changes into action.
How soon do medications help someone feel better?
Most medications aren’t what you’d call “quick.” Antidepressants, for instance, can take 6 to 8 weeks to work fully—and that’s after you find the right one. And second, while a pill may not solve the underlying cause of a mental health condition, it can help folks live a healthier lifestyle and do all the things that make them feel like themselves.
Reference:
“The Censuswide survey for Minded (a remote psychiatric provider) was conducted between March 30th and April 5, 2022, among 2,039 general adults. The data was reviewed to ensure accurate representation of gender, age, and region.” ( https://www.tryminded.com/blog/mental-health-medication-myths, 2022),
