Antidepressants

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Antidepressants are medicines used to treat certain mental health conditions. Get medical advice and know more by speaking to an AHPRA-licensed medical practitioner online within 15 minutes. Available 24/7.

This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

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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.

Please note: For severe symptoms, dial 000 or visit the nearest hospital.

How does a mental health care plan work?

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.

Are there any 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.

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. It is highly recommended to speak to a health practitioner about your concerns, questions and management options. Talk to a doctor or medical practitioner without leaving your home via telehealth appointments 24/7.

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, suggesting some lifestyle changes. The doctor or health practitioner may 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?

Missing a dose of certain antidepressants could be enough to trigger your symptoms and experience some side effects. This can vary from person to person depending on the dosage of antidepressants taken and other factors. It is important to stay calm and know that you will be ok. If you have extreme side effects, you can speak to a doctor via telehealth or in person.

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.

How can we help?

We provide a fast and convenient way for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your phone or any smart device. Using our secure telehealth platform, you can have a video call with a registered health practitioner or a doctor on-demand in 15 minutes or less. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know mental health conditions, illness and injury can happen anytime, day or night, and need immediate medical attention. Much like an in-person GP clinic, our telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:

pre-existing conditions, family history and lifestyle.
preferred treatment options and how to access them.
individualised advice to manage your condition.
referrals or scripts for various conditions (if required) at the discretion of the doctor.

Talk to a doctor today

Telehealth helps you connect with an AHPRA-licensed online doctor within minutes. Hola Health provides 24/7 access to qualified medical practitioners in Australia within 15 minutes for:

Access telehealth services

GP near me

After-hours GP

Medical certificate

Scripts online

Referrals

Telehealth

Conditions we treat