antidepressants

Antidepressants are a type of prescription medication used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma. There are many types of antidepressant medications — including SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs — that are thought to work by interacting with the brain chemicals associated with depression.

Antidepressants have broad use, meaning your provider may recommend an antidepressant medication for a variety of mental health conditions. While they don't cure depression or anxiety, antidepressants can be effective at reducing symptoms like lack of energy and feelings of sadness.

Antidepressants may cause initial or long-term side effects, including weight changes. If weight loss or gain is a concern for you, be sure to discuss this with your provider.

Antidepressants can have initial side effects that occur within the first few days or weeks. These usually resolve, but may reoccur with dosage changes. Long-term side effects can also occur, which last for the duration of the time you take the medication. These side effects will vary from medication to medication.

The goal of taking an antidepressant medication is to help reduce the severity and frequency of your depression symptoms. They will not change your personality and can help you feel like yourself again, including regaining interest in activities you enjoy and feeling more hopeful. If you begin to feel worse after taking an antidepressant, talk with your provider immediately.

For some medications, using alcohol while taking them can make you feel more intoxicated, can increase medication side effects, and can make you feel unwell the following day. For other antidepressants, using alcohol at the same time can be life-threatening. Overall, drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants is generally not advised.

Your course of treatment will be unique to your situation — some people take antidepressants for just a few months while others may stay on them for several years. If you start feeling better, discuss next steps and your long-term goals with your provider. Do not stop taking your medication without oversight and guidance from a medical professional.

If you don't feel like the antidepressant you've been prescribed is alleviating your symptoms, have a conversation with you provider. The medication may need more time to work, you may benefit from a higher dose, or another medication may be a better fit for you.

It's common for it to take between 4 and 8 weeks for a new antidepressant medication to be fully effective. For some people, symptoms may improve as quickly as 1-2 weeks after beginning an antidepressant.

You can meet with a licensed provider at Thriveworks, in person or online depending on your state. If it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe medication for a diagnosed mental health condition. Your provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication your provider prescribes, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your plan to confirm your medical and prescription coverage.

Schedule a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After discussing your symptoms and treatment goals, your provider may recommend medication and/or additional services to help you get where you want to be.

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