The choice of a particular antidepressant depends on many factors linked to the specific symptomatology of each patient. Only a mental health specialist is trained to diagnose and prescribe this type of drugs. Antidepressants contain substances that help stabilize mood and disorders that often accompany depression, such as anxiety and insomnia, among others.
Some antidepressants have few tolerable side effects for some people. Others can only be obtained through a medical prescription for being of controlled use due to the risk of its use for prolonged periods.
Although antidepressants usually reduce the symptoms of depression, it is important for the doctor to do a complete health evaluation to rule out any other physical or mental condition.
Certain antidepressants are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The interaction of this type of drugs with alcoholic beverages, narcotics or other medications can also involve dangerous reactions.
There is a very wide range of antidepressants and each of them affects brain chemical function in different ways. Therefore, the neurologist or psychiatrist in charge of your treatment will choose the most suitable to your particular needs, and will carefully monitor your mood and symptomatic changes by making changes if required.