![]() ![]() conditions where a nerve becomes trapped, like sciaticaĪntidepressants have also been used to treat chronic pain that doesn’t involve nerves (non-neuropathic pain).Conditions that may benefit from treatment with amitriptyline include: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may help to treat some chronic (long-term) nerve pain.Īmitriptyline is a TCA that can be used to treat neuropathic pain. It’s often unresponsive to traditional painkillers like paracetamol. Using antidepressants for long-term painĬhronic nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is caused by nerve damage or problems with the nerves. ![]() If SSRIs prove ineffective, an alternative type of antidepressant can be used. ![]() Like depression, SSRIs are usually the first choice of treatment for these conditions. serious phobias, like agoraphobia and social phobia.Antidepressants for other mental health conditionsĪntidepressants can also help to treat other mental health conditions, including: This should be offered in combination with psychotherapy. In some cases, an SSRI called fluoxetine may be offered to young people aged 12 to 18. This treatment should last at least 3 months. ![]() Antidepressants for children and young peopleĬhildren and young people with moderate to severe depression should be offered a course of psychotherapy before antidepressants. If there are no benefits in this time, the medication will be slowly withdrawn. However, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed for a few months for mild depression. This is because research has found that they may be less effective for mild depression. However, some types can only be used under the care of a mental health professional.Īntidepressants aren't always recommended for mild depression. Many antidepressants can be prescribed by your GP. If your symptoms don't improve after 4 weeks, you may be given a different antidepressant. CBT is a type of therapy that uses problem-solving to help improve thought, mood and behaviour.Īn antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is usually prescribed first. They're often prescribed with a talking therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Most adults with moderate to severe depression are treated with antidepressants first. They're also used for other mental health conditions and for treating long-term pain. If your GP or mental health specialist decides to stop your antidepressants, they'll reduce the dose gradually over a few weeks.Īntidepressants are mostly used to treat clinical depression in adults. Stopping before you have been taking antidepressants for 3 to 4 weeks may mean the medication hasn't had a chance to take effect.Īntidepressants should not be stopped suddenly. sensations in the body that feel like electric shocksĬoming off antidepressants too soon can cause your condition to return.Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, like: You shouldn't suddenly stop taking antidepressants, even if you feel better. If you do take an extra dose by mistake, you should check with your pharmacist or medical professional for advice, or phone 111. You should not take more than your prescribed dose unless advised by your doctor or prescriber. Don't take a double dose to "make up" for the one you missed. In this case, you should just skip the missed dose. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time to take your next dose. It's important not to miss any of your doses, as this could make your treatment less effective. Some people with recurrent depression may be advised to take them indefinitely. They may recommend increasing your dose or trying an alternative medication.Ī course of treatment usually lasts for 6 months. If you take an antidepressant for 4 weeks without feeling any benefit, speak to your GP or mental health specialist. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) There are different types of antidepressants. This helps to treat more severe depression or other mental health conditions. This is why they're usually used in combination with therapy. While antidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression, they don't always address its causes. This may explain why some antidepressants can help to relieve long-term pain. Increasing levels of neurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. They can improve mood and emotion, although this process isn't fully understood. These are chemicals in the brain like serotonin and noradrenaline. It's thought that antidepressants work by increasing neurotransmitters. They can also be used to treat some other conditions, including:Īntidepressants are sometimes used to treat people with long-term (chronic) pain. Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat or prevent clinical depression. ![]()
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