About antidepressants (tricyclic and related
types) What medication has been prescribed for me?
This kind of medication is known as an antidepressant. There are several types of antidepressants and different people respond better to different ones. Your doctor will discuss your medication with you and make sure that you are prescribed the type of antidepressant which best meets your needs.
Why has this medication been prescribed for me?
Of course, everyone has changes of mood, with good and bad days, and everyone feels unhappy when they experience upsetting events in their lives, such as the death of a friend or relative. A depressive illness, however, is usually rather different from this. It may involve much stronger feelings of sadness or hopelessness and it may seem to happen without any clear cause. There may be other symptoms too. Antidepressant medication can help people who have developed this kind of depressive illness. Your medication should help with the symptoms that you have been experiencing.
How does the medication work?
Research has shown that people who are ill with certain kinds of depression have changes in the levels of natural chemicals in the brain. For example, they seem to have too little of the chemicals Noradrenaline and 5-HT. It seems to be these chemical changes that cause the symptoms you are experiencing. We think that the antidepressant drugs work by correcting the chemical imbalance, so that people's mood returns to normal.
So, the medication should help you feel better. But people are more likely to fall ill when they are worried or anxious about events in their lives, so taking medication may not be the whole answer. Talking through any problems is very important too. It is often easier to do this once the medication has helped you to feel a bit better.
For how long must I take the medication?
It does take time for the chemical levels in the body to return to normal so you may not feel better for two or three weeks. But it is important to keep taking the medication so that it has a chance to work. After a time all symptoms of your depressive illness should disappear.
When you are feeling better you may want to stop taking the medication, but it is not a good idea to rush things. We know that most people need to keep on taking these kinds of medication for a few months after they feel better, otherwise they may become ill again. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to stop taking it and will help you to reduce the doses gradually. It is important that you let the doctor know if you feel any symptoms of depression returning. People usually take a course of antidepressants for about 6 months.
Is this medication addictive?
No, this drug is not like a minor tranquilliser such as diazepam (valium). It is not addictive.
Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?
Alcohol interacts with this medication and can make you feel very sleepy or lower your mood further. So, if you do drink, you should restrict your intake to no more than one pint of beer or two measures of spirits or glasses of wine a day. Because alcohol will make you sleepier than usual you should not drink and drive at all when taking this medication.
Can I drive?
The medication can affect your ability to drive and if you are driving you should not drink any alcohol because of the interaction with your medication. In some circumstances, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority) needs to be informed so you should discuss this fully with your doctor. If you feel slightly drowsy please discuss this with your doctor.
What else can be affected by this medication?
People who have certain medical problems such as heart or liver disease, epilepsy or diabetes may need to use this medication with caution. You should therefore tell your doctor and key worker about any medical problems. It can also interact with other medicines you are taking. You should remind your doctor of what you are already taking if any new medicines are prescribed.
If you are planning to become pregnant you should talk to your doctor so that you can plan your care together. There is no current evidence that this drug can harm the developing baby, so if necessary you can continue to take the medication during pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to advise you about any issues associated with taking your medication during pregnancy and birth.
What side effects might I get?
These types of medication can cause side effects and these will vary in different people. Side effects may include:
- Drowsiness: this often wears off after a week or so. Taking the medication at night will help you sleep but by morning you should feel alert. If you do feel drowsy you should avoid driving or operating machinery.
- Constipation: a high fibre diet with plenty of fluid and exercise may help but if you continue to have problems you should ask your doctor or pharmacist for a laxative.
- Dry mouth: drinking plenty of fluids or sucking sugarless boiled sweets may help.
- A few people may experience other side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness when standing, feeling faint, increased appetite and weight gain, poor co-ordination, trembling, restlessness, sweating, palpitations, difficulty in passing urine, reduced sexual arousal and performance, skin rash, numbness or tingling of hands and feet, sleeplessness and anxiety.
Do tell your doctor If you are experiencing troublesome side effects. They may be able to help by prescribing a different antidepressant.