Antidepressants Treatment
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat certain mental health conditions. Speak to an AHPRA-licensed medical practitioner online within 15 minutes for medical advice, instant scripts and mental health care plans. 24/7 telehealth appointments available, Australia-wide.
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When should I consult a doctor for antidepressants?
It is important to consult a doctor if you are experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, depression or any mental health issues. Detecting the symptoms earlier and getting medical help will manage mental health before it worsens. Consult a medical practitioner if:
- Have symptoms of anxiety or other mental health concerns: If you’re considering antidepressants for the first time, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.
- No improvement: If you’ve been on antidepressants for a while and don’t feel any improvement in your symptoms, or if you feel worse.
- Side effects: If side effects like weight gain, sleep disturbances, or sexual dysfunction become bothersome or severe.
- Thoughts of self-harm: If you experience increased suicidal thoughts or behaviors after starting an antidepressant, immediate medical consultation is necessary.
- Medication interactions: If you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions (e.g., heart issues or diabetes)
- Stopping medication: Never stop taking antidepressants abruptly without consulting a doctor. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Get an online doctor’s consultation for treatment, antibiotics, or medical advice instantly.
Antidepressants treatment options
How does a mental health care plan work for antidepressants?
An online doctor is the quickest way to get medical advice without any stigma attached to certain conditions. With telehealth, speaking to a medical practitioner trained in mental health becomes easy. To get a mental health care plan, choose the consultation type required, fill in your details and book an appointment slot.
Connect to a doctor 24/7 for mental health assessments which are 100% fully bulk-billed. Some of the benefits of online mental health plans are:
- 100% bulk billed: At Hola Health, mental health treatment plans are 100% bulk-billed making it affordable to most
- 24/7 consultations: Speak to a doctor when you need help, be it after-hours, on weekends or during holidays.
- Instant services: Get instant scripts, online medical certificates, online referrals and more
- Privacy: Get the care you need from the comfort of your home. No need to worry about any stigma.
- Pharmacy online: Get medicines delivered straight to your doorstep within 2 hours or at your convenience.
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About antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications designed to help relieve symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. They work by balancing certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are linked to mood and emotional responses. Some of the common types of antidepressants include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are the most prescribed antidepressants, working by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
- Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs boost both serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters associated with mood and energy.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): One of the earliest classes of antidepressants, TCAs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels but tend to have more side effects.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): These work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
- Atypical Antidepressants: These affect norepinephrine and dopamine, like Bupropion, and Mirtazapine (Remeron), which impacts serotonin and norepinephrine but also has sedative effects.
- Noradrenaline and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NaSSAs): Mirtazapine (Remeron) also falls under this category, promoting serotonin and norepinephrine release while blocking certain serotonin receptors.
Antidepressants conditions and side effects
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, sleep issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Medicines act as part of the treatment while treating the patients along with therapy and lifestyle changes.
Like all other medicines, antidepressants also have some side effects including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Sexual issues
- More serious issues including increased thoughts of suicide or serotonin toxicity
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC
Frequently asked questions
Can I take antidepressants while pregnant?
Antidepressants, when taken after taking medical advice from a qualified doctor, are generally considered safe during pregnancy. It is important to balance the risks and benefits and ensure the health of the mother and the baby is taken into consideration before prescribing antidepressants.
Can an online doctor help with antidepressants if the GP near me is not available?
Yes, an online doctor can help you with discussing your symptoms, making a mental health care plan tailored to you, suggest some lifestyle changes or prescribe some medications that can be given through telehealth. Online doctors are available 24/7 and you can easily secure an appointment at any time when the GP near you is not available.
How can I use telehealth for mental health appointments?
Speak to a licensed health practitioner trained in mental health through quick and easy appointments. Use telehealth for mental health assessments and speak with an online doctor within minutes. If deemed necessary, your health practitioner will work with you to create a tailored mental health treatment plan for your condition. At Hola Health, mental health assessments are 100% fully bulk-billed making it affordable to everyone.
Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?
Alcohol is identified as a depressant. It is not recommended to take alcohol while on antidepressants as it may worsen the symptoms and may even be dangerous.
What If I miss a dose of antidepressants?
Can I get stress leave certificates through telehealth?
Yes, you can get a stress leave certificate approved by AHPRA-registered medical practitioner and submit it easily for work or school/university purposes. Stress leave certificates are considered as paid sick leave and can be taken as a mental health day off.
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