Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
The quest to find the bestantidepressant medicationcan feel very “hit or miss.”
They often consider several factors, such as the symptoms experienced and whether any other health conditions are present.
Patient Symptoms
Some antidepressants provide benefits for multiple symptoms.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
So, if other symptoms are present, a physician may lean more toward a certain medication.
Other Medications Being Taken
Taking an antidepressant with certain other medications can lead todrug interactions.
This includes not only prescription drugs but also over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
Family History
Not everyone responds to depression medication the same way.
Antidepressant Cost
Some newer antidepressants don’t yet have a generic form available.
So, they may be costly.
Some physicians are more willing to consider prescribing off-label medications than others.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Sexual Side Effects
One of the classic symptoms of depression is a loss of sex drive.
Rather ironically, many of the medications used to treat depression can also potentially havesexual side effects.
Certain antidepressant medications have fewer sexual side effects than others.
Weight Gain
Weight gainis another commonly complained about side effect of antidepressants.
An increase in weight can be uncomfortable physically, also affecting one’s confidence and self-esteem.
Two people can respond to the same medication differently.
Overcoming Antidepressant Barriers
Discussing thepros and cons of antidepressantscan be helpful in overcoming the side effect barrier.
It can also help the patient understand more of the potential effects of this form of depression treatment.
Side Effects Aren’t Always Bad
Some antidepressant side effects can actually be helpful.
Conversely, a patient who is underweight can benefit from a drug that causes appetite to increase.
Again, it is important to remember that every person is different.
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The Importance of Open Communication
Finding the best antidepressant can take some trial and error.
It enables the patient and physician to work together as a team to find the bestdepression treatmentpossible.
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