You probably know that antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, and other mental health problems. In many countries, such as the United States and Canada, antidepressants can only be obtained with a prescription. If you feel you need it, immediately consult a doctor and ask for recommendations regarding the appropriate prescription.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Consult a Doctor
Step 1. Check with a doctor
Generally, patients with mental disorders can consult a psychiatrist or general practitioner. During the examination, the doctor will ask for the medical reasons behind your desire to take antidepressants. In many cases, seeing a psychiatrist instead of a general practitioner is a better decision, especially since they have more experience in treating patients with mental disorders, are more familiar with antidepressants, and can recommend the type of antidepressant that best suits your specific condition.
- Find information about the nearest psychiatrist whose examination and treatment costs can be covered by your health insurance, and immediately arrange an appointment by telephone or the clinic/hospital website.
- If you wish, you can also ask for a referral to a trusted psychiatrist from a general practitioner, and/or look for information on the internet.
Step 2. Describe the specific symptoms you are experiencing
Provide as much detail as possible so that the doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and antidepressant recommendation. For example, a patient with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may need two types of medication, namely to manage the mania phase and the depressive phase. However, patients with anxiety disorders generally only need one specific type of antidepressant.
Describe any physical symptoms you are experiencing, such as insomnia or decreased energy, as well as mental symptoms such as feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Step 3. List any reasons that could potentially lead to stress or depression
Identifying the cause of stress and depression can help your doctor make a more appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Therefore, honestly explain any stressors you have when your doctor asks about them.
For example, it's possible that you're depressed because you're stuck in an unhealthy romantic relationship. Whatever the situation, don't hesitate to tell your doctor
Step 4. Inform the doctor about the duration of the symptoms
Remember, the doctor must know how long you have had symptoms of depression. In many cases, the best candidates to receive a prescription antidepressant are people who are experiencing long-term stress. That's why, usually, people who experience temporary depression as a result of breaking up with their partner or being fired from work will not be considered ideal candidates.
Step 5. Describe the steps you have taken to treat your symptoms
Also convey all types of drugs that you are currently taking, including vitamins and birth control drugs. Do this to help your doctor find a suitable treatment method that can effectively improve your condition! For example, tell about any medications you have taken or are currently taking to treat depression. In addition, also inform the changes in exercise patterns and / or diet that you have made to improve the condition.
Sometimes, depression or anxiety that appears is actually triggered by the drugs you are taking. If this is the case, your doctor will likely prescribe new medications to relieve the symptoms
Step 6. Prepare questions and suggestions to bring to the doctor
After searching for information about the different types of antidepressants, prepare questions to ask your doctor along with recommendations about medications that interest you. Don't forget to ask the doctor about the side effects of the drug!
Find out which types of antidepressants are most commonly prescribed by doctors and have been most beneficial to patients so far
Step 7. Get a prescription from your doctor
Most antidepressant drugs can only be purchased at certain pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. Therefore, before leaving the practice room, make sure you ask your doctor for a prescription for the appropriate antidepressant.
Know the medical costs you have to spend; Also find out if these costs can be borne by the insurance company that houses you. Remember, some antidepressant products are more expensive than other medications. Some brands even offer a generic version for a much lower price
Step 8. Redeem the prescription at the pharmacy
Some pharmacies are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, so you don't have to go through the hassle of having to redeem a prescription quickly. When redeeming a prescription, don't forget to bring the prescription paper given by the doctor, OK! For some drugs, you may need to wait a few hours to a day to get them, especially if they are not in stock yet.
Step 9. Check back with the doctor
Chances are, you still have questions after receiving a prescription from your doctor. Alternatively, you may feel that something is wrong after you start taking the medicine prescribed by your doctor. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to call your doctor or get yourself checked again if you think you need one.
If you're having trouble getting to her, try leaving a message on the nurse's desk or emailing her
Step 10. If necessary, seek a second opinion
In fact, some doctors are reluctant to prescribe antidepressants because they feel their patients' condition can improve after making lifestyle changes. However, if you feel that depression, anxiety, or other disorders are starting to disrupt your daily life, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Try seeing another doctor or psychiatrist for a second medical diagnosis.
Method 2 of 3: Understanding and Taking Antidepressants
Step 1. Follow the doctor's instructions
Taking drugs with lower or higher doses can increase the risk of negative side effects and other health problems. If you feel the need to change the dose of the drug to get maximum benefits, don't forget to ask your doctor for approval first or ask for recommendations for alternative treatment methods.
Ask your doctor for approval if you want to take other drugs or supplements while you are still taking antidepressants
Step 2. Keep taking the medication
Many antidepressants take several weeks to show their benefits. Therefore, do not stop taking it unless asked or approved by your doctor. If necessary, set an alarm on your phone to remind you of when to take your medication each day.
If you feel you are not experiencing significant improvement after taking the drug for several months, immediately consult a doctor
Step 3. Know the side effects of the drugs you are taking
Remember, each drug can cause different side effects. Therefore, make sure you receive all information about the drugs you are taking and the potential side effects from your doctor.
If necessary, do your own research. Find out what you need and can do to prevent or reduce side effects, such as by changing your diet
Step 4. Do the therapy process
Although useful separately, the actual use of antidepressants will have a maximum impact if accompanied by a therapeutic process. If you're on a budget, try seeking expert help to help you deal with bothersome issues.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Extra Steps to Improve Mental Health
Step 1. Meditate
Meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as improve a person's mood significantly. Some studies suggest that meditation is even more effective than antidepressants for treating mental disorders! Therefore, try to take ten minutes each day to sit alone in a quiet place, and try to focus your body and mind on your breathing patterns. If you want, you can also download some meditation apps like Headspace and Calm.
Step 2. Exercise
Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for improving your overall physical and mental health. When you exercise, your body will take up all your focus so your mind will have time to rest. Therefore, try walking or running around the complex on a regular basis, or join the nearest fitness center.
Step 3. Change your diet
In fact, a person's diet has been shown to be very closely related to his mood. Foods that are high in sugar or fat are more likely to trigger stress, depression, or anxiety than foods high in protein or vitamins such as vegetables and low-fat meats.
Therefore, try to reduce the consumption of fast food and sugary foods for one month, then observe the results
Step 4. Reduce stress
Try to identify the stressors you have and work to manage or even remove them from your life. For example, if you have always been stressed in the morning because you have to take your child to school, try asking your partner to take turns doing it or asking your child to take the school bus. Believe me, even simple changes can improve your mood, you know!
Step 5. Spend time with friends
Do your best not to be alone during difficult times. Call your closest friends and take them out together at least once a week, whether it's to watch a movie at the cinema, have dinner together, or just have a random chat.
Don't befriend negative people
Step 6. Get enough sleep
Sleep is also a very important factor to maintain one's emotional stability. Therefore, make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night, and do a relaxing routine before bed such as taking a warm bath or sipping a cup of warm tea.
If possible, go to bed at the same time every night
Warning
- Avoid alcohol!
- Never ask friends or relatives for antidepressants! Remember, the dose and pattern of drug consumption is very dependent on the type of depression, health problems, or mental disorders you experience. That is why, you should consult with your doctor before taking antidepressants to prevent further health problems or depression.
- Most antidepressants take about six weeks to have a maximal therapeutic effect. Therefore, be patient waiting for the results, and always remember that you may need to try several types of medicines before finding the one that suits you best.
- Do not stop taking the drug without a doctor's approval! It is likely that your doctor will recommend that you gradually reduce the dose of the drug to avoid negative discontinuation symptoms.
