Is Your Antidepressant Still Working? When to Review Your Medication Plan 

More than 18% of people in the United States suffer from depression. While many receive a prescription for an antidepressant from their primary care doctor, choosing a trained psychiatric professional who also monitors your symptoms may be a better choice. 

Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Bosede Iwuamadi, DNP, PMHNP, helps you manage your medication and mental health issues via telehealth at Newstone Behavioral Health in Garland, Texas.

Why antidepressants stop working

Many people find their antidepressant doesn’t relieve their symptoms the way it once did.  It may lose its effectiveness for a variety of reasons, including:

• Wrong medication for your particular needs
• Incorrect dosage
• Other conditions, such as ADHD or thyroid problems, may be involved
• Inconsistent usage

If your new antidepressant still doesn’t help after one or two months, review your options with Dr. Iwuamadi.

Signs it’s time for a change

Dr. Iwuamadi may suggest altering your dosage, adding another antidepressant or medication, or trying a new one entirely if you exhibit one or more of the following signs.

You feel worse

Inform Dr. Iwuamadi if you begin to feel worse, even if you’ve been taking the medication for a while. Your body chemistry changes over time, and a different antidepressant may work better.

Your symptoms don’t improve

If you still feel depressed after adding a particular medication to your therapy, it may not be the right fit.

Mood swings worsen

While extreme highs and lows may indicate bipolar disorder or another issue requiring different medication, less intense mood swings may mean this particular medication simply isn’t the best choice.

You experience unwanted side effects

Certain issues may arise from any new medication, such as dry mouth or drowsiness. If these problems don’t subside, you may need an alternative.

The doctor offers tips to help you deal with aggravating side effects, such as:

• Take your medication early to avoid insomnia.
• Sip water often or brush with toothpaste containing xylitol to relieve dry mouth.
• Don’t drive if you feel lightheaded.
• Practice deep breathing to feel calmer.
• Walk, run, or do aerobic exercise to relieve restlessness.
• Consume high-fiber foods, such as whole grains and legumes, to reduce constipation.
• Take your antidepressant with food to curb nausea. 

If you’re concerned about weight gain, discuss which meds are less likely to cause this issue and whether they’re good options.

Antidepressant tolerance

Your medication, although once very helpful, may cease working entirely. Dr. Iwuamadi helps you get back on track.

Which antidepressant is right for you?

Each type of antidepressant targets your body in a specific way, such as:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

When your serotonin levels grow too low, feelings of depression and other problems may arise. SSRIs are a first-line defense against these symptoms.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Both a neurotransmitter and hormone, norepinephrine triggers “fight-or-flight” feelings. When levels drop, your depression may grow. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and other bodily functions. SNRIs treat depression, anxiety, and even pain by altering the way these two brain chemicals behave.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Less commonly used today, these block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine to improve mood and communication between nerve cells. They’re also used to treat conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines, and insomnia.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

If other medications fail, doctors may use MAOIs to raise your serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels. When applied via skin patch, they generally produce fewer side effects.

If you experience myriad side effects or aren’t feeling much relief from your current antidepressant, discuss other possibilities with Dr. Iwuamadi. 

When you’re ready for a change

Whether you opt to adjust your current medication levels or try something new, Dr. Iwuamadi is here to help. Through medication management and talk therapy, our team at Newstone Behavioral Health compassionately guides you through your mental health issues. Simply contact us in Garland, Texas, today.