Can Antidepressants Cure Depression

Can Antidepressants Cure Depression Depression Treatment Medication Print Can Antidepressants Cure Depression? By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 04, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids SDI Productions / Getty Images If youre wondering whether antidepressants will cure you in the same way that an antibiotic cures an infection, the answer is no; they do not eradicate the underlying causes of depression.   The reason that antidepressants arent able to provide a permanent cure for depression lies in how they work. Antidepressants target one or more of the neurotransmitters that are believed to be involved in regulating mood, allowing a greater quantity of these neurotransmitters to remain available within the brain and theoretically making up for any deficiencies that might be causing a persons depression symptoms. This effect is only temporary, however; when you stop taking the antidepressant, your brain chemistry will return to its previous state. Antidepressants and Long-Term Effects However, If what you really want to know is whether they are capable of providing long-term relief from the symptoms of depression, then the answer is yes. Antidepressants do appear to be able to provide lasting benefits to those who take them. In a 2011 Journal of Psychiatric Research article, it was reported that depressed adults who used antidepressants were three times less likely than their unmedicated counterparts to still be depressed after eight years.?? Unfortunately, when people start to feel better, they often take this as a sign that they have been cured and they stop taking their medication on their own, which can cause serious problems. Not only are they at risk of having their depression return, or even become worse, they are also at risk for developing symptoms such as muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea as a result of discontinuation syndrome. To avoid these problems and get the best results from an antidepressant, consider these tips: Give your medication enough time to work before you give up on it.  Generally, it takes anywhere from two to eight weeks for an antidepressant to exert its full effects.Take your antidepressant exactly as your doctor has prescribed.  Not taking your full dose or skipping doses can create problems and the medication wont work as well as it could.Dont stop your medication without consulting your doctor.  Your doctor will be able to advise you about whether its a good idea to stop taking your medication. They can also help address any problems that you might be having with it, such as unpleasant side effects. Finally, they will be able to help you avoid any potential problems, such as discontinuation syndrome or worsening depression.Dont give up if the first medication that you try doesnt help.  Different antidepressants work in slightly different ways and you may need to try a few different medications in order to get the right one for you.Dont stop taking your antidepressant when you start feeling better.  Quitting too soon could lead to a return of your depression. Your doctor will help you determine when, and if, quitting your antidepressant is advisable. So, does this all mean that you must take an antidepressant for the rest of your life? Not necessarily. Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether you will need to take an antidepressant indefinitely is your risk for depression relapse. If this is your first depressive episode, then your doctor may recommend that you stay on your medication for four to nine months (sometimes up to a year) and then gradually taper off of it.?? If youve had two episodes of depression, a familial history of depression, or a particularly ?severe depressive episode, your doctor might recommend that you remain on your antidepressant long-term. If youve had three or more depressive episodes, your doctor will likely want you to remain on antidepressants because you are 95% more likely to have a relapse within two years.?? Lifelong Use of Antidepressants Fortunately, more and more research is being done on the long-term use of antidepressants and how they impact your health. Studies have uncovered the following side effects among people taking commonly prescribed antidepressants such as Celexa  (citalopram), Effexor  (venlafaxine), Paxil  (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Pamelor (nortriptyline).?? Sexual problemsWeight gainIncreased risk for diabetesReduced positive feelingsFeeling emotionally numbFeeling dependent on the medicationFeeling suicidal Should You Take Antidepressants Long Term? Despite these side effects, there are many positives of taking an antidepressant long-term including feeling less depressed and having an overall better quality of life. However, you may need to try several drugs before finding the best one for you. Whether you take antidepressants for the rest of your life is a decision best made between you and your doctor or mental healthcare provider. Treating depression is a balancing act and, together, youll need to weigh the good against the bad and decide the right plan for your overall health. The Best Online Help Resources for Depression