One of the most useful treatments in recent years, antidepressants have helped countless individuals. Because a condition is known to treatment resistant depression, or TRD, standard oral antidepressants may not be the best option for some patients. In still other situations, a person can discover that over time, antidepressants stop working for them. What other options do you have if antidepressants don’t work for you?
Actively monitor your medications with your doctor
It is crucial to engage in proactive and efficient medication management with your doctor when taking any prescription medication. This entails regularly updating your doctor on the efficacy of your medication. Inform your doctor if you think your antidepressants are not working. They can offer you the tips and advice you need to locate a workable substitute.
Change the course of treatment
For many years, mental health practitioners have held that the best course of treatment for depressed people is a mix of medically prescribed drugs and psychotherapy. You may want to talk with your doctor about the following choices if this conventional strategy is not effective for you:
- Changing one’s antidepressants
- Increase the number of antidepressants you take
- Changing the type or quantity of treatment being used
- Include a group therapy program in your one-on-one therapy
Finding the ideal balance in your whole treatment plan is crucial, just like with medicine. You may be able to remove your treatment-resistant depressive symptoms by closely collaborating with your psychiatrist.
Do antidepressants prevent bad days from occurring?
Yes, without a doubt. Because of the cyclical nature of depression, some days are better than others. It’s also possible that one day your prescription works better than the next.
Can you become immune to antidepressants?
This can cause tolerance in many people over time. If you’ve been using oral this for a while, you could start to notice that they aren’t providing the same level of relief from your symptoms as they were at the beginning of your treatment. Additionally, developing a tolerance can require you to take more medication to achieve the same effects, which might result in greater negative effects.
How do I know if my antidepressants have stopped working
If you suspect that your oral antidepressants are no longer working, look for the following:
- A persistent rise in your feelings of agitation, despair, or anxiety
- Depression affects your ability to perform or your quality of life
- Insomnia
- Side effects that are excessive, such as nausea, headaches, weight gain, and erectile impairment
What alternatives are available to TRD?
Traditional interventions have substitutes available. Spravato, an esketamine nasal spray, is an FDA-approved therapeutic option that has shown tangible effects for people with treatment-resistant depression. Spravato treatment may be of assistance if you have been receiving regular treatment for depression but have noticed little to no change or if you believe your oral antidepressants are no longer working. For patients with treatment-resistant depression or TRD, this recommended medicine works best when used with oral antidepressants.
You do have options if you’re dealing with TRD or believe this is no longer helping. Make an appointment with a doctor right away to go over your alternatives, which may include supplements to conventional oral antidepressants like Spravato that can help you manage your depression symptoms.
