Initially, every medication may bring mixed feelings, and the same is true with antidepressants. They are prescription drugs that are used to treat major depressive disorders. Antidepressants may aid in relieving symptoms of severe depression and prevent such symptoms from coming back. Knowing when to increase antidepressant dosage can be a real struggle. Likewise, one antidepressant can work for one person but may not be that effective for others.Antidepressants can make an individual feel better, but that may not be long-lasting. This article discusses signs your antidepressant dose is too low and when to increase its dosage.
What are Antidepressants?
In simple words, antidepressants are prescription drugs that can treat depression. Your healthcare provider may also recommend this medication to treat other health conditions. Whatever affects your mood and general well-being can be severe. Further to this, individuals with depression may have difficulty in thinking, memory power may get weak, and sleeping patterns may change.
What signs indicate that your antidepressant dosage is low?
Most importantly, the symptoms may impact your daily life even after consuming antidepressants. Mainly, antidepressant dosage may vary depending on the type of antidepressant and the severity of an individual’s symptoms.Previously, a doctor may prescribe a low dose and notice the medicine’s response. When your symptoms aren’t improving, the doctor may change the medication or increase its dosage. Let’s get into some signs that show antidepressant dosage is too low.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness may come
- The slightest interest in practicing your hobbies may develop
- Feeling slow or unusually tired
- Persistent sadness and anxiousness
- Suicidal thoughts coming back to back
- Unplanned weight change or appetite loss
- Having difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Making decisions can become difficult
Also Read:Antidepressant Abuse And Disorders: Why Is It Dangerous For Your Life
How long will it take for antidepressants to start working?
Typically, it may take around 1 to 2 weeks to feel the effect of an antidepressant. Nevertheless, the case concerns individuals who don’t miss their single dosage. Besides, people may not feel the entire impact of the medication for several weeks. However, almost 40 to 60% of individuals can experience improvement in their depression symptoms within 6 to 8 weeks.
Probably your doctor may continue with depression treatment for another 4 to 9 months even if symptoms get relieved. By chance, if a person is having recurring symptoms, then they must take antidepressants for sure.Many individuals may report having an improvement in their depressive disorders immediately after the intake of antidepressants. Remember that it is just a placebo effect, as that person imagines this medication will benefit them.
Also Read:Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Everything You should Know
Which signs say that antidepressants aren’t for you?
At times, getting into the right antidepressant becomes a trial-and-error process, which is not something out of the box. Only experts can tell about signs your antidepressant isn’t working, and it is evident to consult the right doctor.Here are some signs that may tell that antidepressants aren’t working for you:
1. Problem in Sleeping
Sometimes, antidepressants may make you feel more sleepy or less sleepy and impact your sex life. Many complain of having vivid dreams when antidepressants aren’t right. Furthermore, trying relaxation techniques and listening to calm music can be helpful. Besides, ensure that your bedroom is dark and cool before sleeping. Make sure to avoid caffeine intake before at least 6 hours of going to bed. However, talking to your doctor can be helpful in this situation.
Also Read:How To Fall Asleep in 10 Seconds?
2. If your mood continues to stay low
Many experts say that antidepressant effects may not be visible for 2 to 3 months or so. Clinical trials say antidepressants do not change any chemicals other than have mind-altering effects. When your antidepressant is not making you feel confident, it is recommended to contact your doctor. Not every antidepressant can suit your body, which is okay. Inform your doctor, and you may get a different antidepressant. However, the healthcare provider can also change your antidepressant dosage accordingly.
3. I’m feeling better right away, but that doesn’t last.
The exact working of antidepressants is still a mystery to all. In general, antidepressants may change the workings of neurochemicals like serotine, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. The moment you feel good after taking an antidepressant, be sure that it is the placebo effect. Apart from that, please don’t keep the misconception that the medication has stopped working as it simply didn’t work for you. Visit your psychiatrist and let them know about your concerns.
4. Feeling Energetic Yet Depressed
Whether you’re feeling energetic after beginning an antidepression and still feel depressed, that’s not a good sign. In addition, it may mean that your antidepressant has started working but not in the right way. When an increase in physical Energy is combined with sad feelings, it may increase suicidal tendencies in clients. If you ever report such symptoms, book an appointment with your doctor immediately.
5. Depression gets worse
By chance you are undergoing breakthrough depression symptoms, then this may indicate that antidepressant medicine isn’t working. The moment you notice depression symptoms getting worse, it can become deadly. You should see your medical expert right away without any delay. Note specific warning signs, including agitation or restlessness, constant movement, or feeling out of control. However, all these symptoms may degrade over some time.
6. The mood has improved, but you’re not yet into yourself.
When you experience little relief after taking antidepressants, but that relief isn’t all that you wished for, talk to your doctor. Ask your healthcare expert if any other treatment can be used for you. Besides, some of you may receive a combination of treatments when a single antidepressant isn’t practical. Many times, your doctor may ask you to take counseling sessions, mood-boosting cardiac exercises, psychotherapy, and other light therapies. However, many experts believe that a combination of psychotherapy with depression medication can give positive outcomes.
7. Going through side effects
Often going for the correct antidepressant becomes incorrect at the very first go. Simultaneously, according to NIH, an individual may lose weight or gain sexual problems after having one antidepressant. Talk to your doctor and shift from one antidepressant to another right away.
When to increase antidepressant dosage?
Undoubtedly, a new antidepressant may take some time to show its action. By chance, if a person is taking antidepressants for a few weeks and hasn’t seen improvement in symptoms, then they may talk to a healthcare provider. Your medical expert may let you know about the following treatment plan.
Either the dosage of the antidepressant would get increased, or a doctor may change the type of antidepressant. However, always speak with your doctor when you feel that the medicine is becoming worthless.
What to expect when increasing the antidepressant dosage?
When increasing the dosage of an antidepressant medication, there are a few things you can expect. Initially, you may experience some temporary side effects as your body adjusts to the higher dose. Common side effects can include nausea, headache, dizziness, or changes in sleep patterns. Being patient and giving your body time to adapt is essential, as these side effects typically subside within a week or two. Additionally, you may not notice an immediate improvement in your mood or symptoms, as the increased dose can take several weeks to take full effect.
However, with consistent use and the correct dosage, the higher level of medication in your system can provide better management of your depression or anxiety symptoms. Maintaining regular communication with your healthcare provider during this process is crucial, as they may need to make further adjustments or provide guidance on managing any persistent side effects.
Why do antidepressants stop working?
Tachyphylaxis is a medical term to describe the situation when medicines become ineffective. People may call the term “antidepressant poop out’ or “antidepressant tolerance.’ Besides, it is essential to note that researchers aren’t sure why antidepressants don’t work every time.Specific common reasons for this problem may include:
1. Pregnancy
Usually, an individual’s body may experience several changes during pregnancy. Many women may complain that their antidepressants aren’t working like they used to work before. Anyway, individuals who took these medicines during pregnancy may again notice depression symptoms.
2. Alcohol or Drug Use
Whenever you are taking alcohol or any drug, it may have negative impacts on your mood. Further to this, people may go through worsening antidepressant symptoms if they continue taking drugs. Here, individuals can feel that their antidepressants aren’t showing any symptoms.At times, other medications and stress may also influence antidepressants. It may impact the medications’ working significantly.
Also Read:Find Effective Alternatives to Lexapro for Treating Anxiety
Conclusion
Identifying low dosages of antidepressants is a challenging task. These signs are crucial and may impact day-to-day life. Know that antidepressants may wear off without time. When such things happen, a doctor may change or increase their dosage over time. Do not take excess antidepressants any day, as the side effects may be life-threatening. Consult your doctor if you need to change your dosage anyway.
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