Depression can be debilitating and anti-depressants such as Prosac, Zoloft, Paxil are frequently prescribed. These medications are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and work by acting on a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin regulates moods but also plays a role in many other body functions such as digestion, sleep, pain and mental alertness. As a result prescription depression medications tend to have a number of side effects which include
Nausea
Insomnia
Anxiety
Restlessness
Decreased sex drive
Dizziness
Weight gain or loss
Tremors
Sweating
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Constipation
Headaches
Sometimes side effects may be so severe that people have to stop taking antidepressants. In order to avoid antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, medication should never be stopped suddenly. The dose should be slowly reduced with at least 1-2 weeks between each dosage reduction. This dosage reduction process may take several months, and should be done under a doctor's supervision.
Studies have shown that therapy and other treatments such as exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, stress management, support groups, and self-help steps work just as well as antidepressants in treating depression, and are better at preventing relapse once treatment ends.
Herbal alternatives such as Bacopa, Mentat, Ashwagandha and Gotu kola have also been shown to have very positive effects in treating depression. Moreover they are non-habit forming and have none of the side effects of antidepressants.
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