The art and science of treating depression
From Living the Scientific Life comes a reminder that anti-depressants aren’t little wonder pills that make you happy, they are real, powerful, medications that change your neurochemistry. I should know, I’ve been taking SSRIs (a class of antidepressants like Paxil, Celexa, Effexor) since 2004, a little over two years now. There are risks that go with the (substantial) benefits:
A recent government report tells how antidepressants can actually increase the risk of suicidal behavior for people up to age 24. It plans new warning labels and says users of all ages should be closely monitored.
Now if there is one thing I’ve learned about taking an SSRI, beyond understanding the science behind them … I am an ex-pharma guy and worked with both the Paxil and Wellbutrin marketing teams … is that you have to monitor your own personal reactions to the medications. Yep there are side effects. Frankly the first couple weeks are hell. Okay maybe not hell, but certainly rather unpleasant. After that, you just have to keep tabs on yourself. How are you feeling? Are there new side effects? Are old ones getting better or worse. And later you have to monitor if the medication is still effective for you. I do this and my doctor really appreciates it. In fact recently I felt that my medication wasn’t working well anymore. I was just not feeling right. So I switched. Took three weeks to taper off one to and taper up on the other. Results? I’m feeling better.
But this is the important thing to remember. You just have to keep tabs on yourself. These are powerful medications. Treat them, and yourself, with respect and things will get better.
Tags: depression, antidepressants, SSRIs
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