Use:
SSRI
antidepressants are used in the treatment of a number of disorders
including:
- Major
depressive disorder, depression associated with Manic
Depressive Illness (Bipolar Disorder)
- Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder
- Panic
disorder
- Bulimia
These drugs
have also been found effective in several other disorders,
including dsythymia, premenstrual dysphoria or depression, and
impulsive behavior, though they are currently not approved for
these indications.
How quickly
will the drug start working:
Antidepressants
begin to improve sleep and appetite and to increase energy within
about one week; however feelings
of depressions may take from 4 to 6 weeks to improve .Because
anti depressants take time to work, do not increase or decrease or
dose or stop the medication without discussing this with your
doctor.
Improvement in symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder, panic
disorder and bulimia also occur gradually.
How long
should you take the medication?
Following
the first episode
of depression it is recommended that antidepressants be
continued for a minimum of
one year; this decrease the
chance of being ill again. The doctor may then decrease the drug
slowly and monitor for any symptoms of depression; if none
occur, the drug can gradually be stopped.
For
individuals who have had several
episodes of depression,
antidepressants medication should be continued
indefinitely.
Long
-term treatment is generally
recommended for obsessive
compulsive disorder, panic disorder and bulimia.
Side
effects:
Side
effects occur to some degree in all medication. They are usually
not serious and do not occur in all individuals. They may
sometimes occur before beneficial effects of the medication are
noticed. If a side effect continues, speak to your doctor about
appropriate treatment.
Common side
effects that should be reported to your doctor at the next
appointment include:
- Drowsiness
and lethargy-This problem goes away with time. Use of other
drugs that make you drowsy will worsen the problem. Avoid
driving a car or operating machinery if drowsiness persists.
- Energizing/agitated
feeling-Some individuals may feel nervous or have difficulty
sleeping for a few days after starting this medication. Report
this to your doctor: he/she may advise you to take the
medication in the morning.
- Headache-This
tends to be temporary and can be managed by taking analgesics
(aspirin, acetaminophen) when required.
- Nausea
or heartburn-If this happens take the medication with food.
- Muscle
tremor, twitching-Speak to your doctor as this may require an
adjustment in your dosage.
- Changes
in sexual drive or sexual performance-Discuss this with your
doctor.
- Blurred
vision-This usually occur at the start of treatment and tends
to be temporary. Reading under a bright light or at a distance
may help; a magnifying glass may be of temporary use. If the
problem continues , get advise your doctor.
- Dry
mouth-Sour candy and sugarless gum help increase saliva in
your mouth; try to avoid sweet ,calorie-laden beverages. Drink
water and brush your teeth regularly.
- Constipation-
Increase bulk food in your diet (e.g. salads, bran) and drink
plenty of fluids. Some individuals find a bulk laxative (e.g.
Metamucil, Fibyrax) or a stool softener (Colace, Surfak) helps
regulate their bowels. If these remedies are not effective
,consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Nightmares-Can
be managed by changing the dosing schedule.
- Loss of
appetite.
Rare side
effects you should report to your doctor IMMEDIATELY include:
- Soreness
of the mouth, gums, or throat
- Skin
rash or itching, swelling of the face
- Any
unusual bruising or bleeding
- Nausea,
vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, fever, or flu-
like symptoms.
- Yellow
tinge in the eyes or to the skin; dark colored urine
- Inability
to pass urine (more than 24 hours)
- Tingling
in the hands and feet, severe muscle twitching
- Severe
agitation or restlessness
- Switch
in mood to an unusual state of happiness, excitement,
irritability, or a marked disturbance in sleep
Let you
doctor know as soon as possible if you miss your period or suspect
you may be pregnant.
What should
you do if you forget to take a dose of your medication?
If you take
your total dose of antidepressants in the morning and you forget
to take it for more than 6 hours, skip the missed dose and
continue with your schedule the next day. Do not double the
dose. If you take the drug several times a day , take the missed
dose when you remember, then continue with your regular schedule.
Interactions
with other medication
Because
SSRI antidepressants drugs can change the effect of other
medication, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before
taking other drugs, including over- the counter - medication such
as cold remedies. Always inform any doctor or dentist that you see
that you are taking an antidepressant drug.
Precautions
- Do not
increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor.
- Take
your drug with meals or with water, milk orange or apple
juice; avoid grape fruit juice as it may interfere with the
effect of the drug.
- This
drug may impair the mental and physical abilities required for
driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid these
activities if you are feeling drowsy or slowed down.
- This
drug may increase the effect of alcohol, making you more
sleepy, dizzy and light headed.
- DO not
stop your drug suddenly, as this may result in withdrawal
symptoms such as muscle aches, chills ,tingling in your hands
or feet, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- Report
any changes in mood or behavior to your physician.
- This
drug may interact with medication prescribed by your dentist,
so let him/ her know the name of the drug you are taking.
- Store
your medication in a clean, dry area at room temperature, keep
all medication out of the reach of children.
If you have
any questions, regarding this medication, do not hesitate to
contact your doctor, pharmacist , or nurse.
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