Symptoms of Depression

• When people think about depression, they usually think about being sad all the time. While feeling sad is one of the main symptoms, there are many other symptoms that can be caused by depression, including: feeling hopeless, loss of interest in daily activities, crying for no reason, trouble focusing, problems sleeping, weight gain or loss, trouble making decisions, restlessness, irritability, being easily annoyed, lowered libido, fatigue, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and feeling worthless.
  
  

What Depression Medication Does for You

• If you have experienced depression symptoms for more than two weeks, it is likely that your doctor will prescribe an antidepressant to help ease your symptoms. Antidepressants are not a cure for depression, but they will help you to feel more like your old self. Most antidepressants take between one and three weeks to start working how they should. If you do not notice a change in your symptoms within six weeks, you should talk to your doctor about changing medications.
  
  

Types of Medication

• Various types of medications can help ease your depression symptoms. However, it is important to remember that these medications don't cure depression. The only way to cure depression is to cure the underlying condition that is causing the depression. Tricyclic antidepressants, SSRI antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are the main medications prescribed for depression.
  
  

Side Effects of Medication

• As with every medication, antidepressants have side effects that you need to be aware of. Drowsiness, restlessness, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, weight gain, difficulty urinating, fatigue, muscle twitches, weakness and lowered libido are all side effects that you may experience while taking antidepressants.
  
  

Things to Ask Your Physician

• If your physician determines that you have depression, he will likely suggest therapy, medication or a combination of the two. If he recommends antidepressants, make sure you ask him all about the medication he's prescribing for you. Inquire about the side effects of that particular medication so you will be prepared. Inquire about any foods or other medications that may have an adverse affect with your new prescription. Ask your physician to explain how the medication works to relieve your symptoms, and how long you will have to take it. Read any information pamphlets that he may give you thoroughly, so you can fully educate yourself on your new medication.