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CHRISTIAN
SINGLES
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CHRISTIAN
DATING ADVICE
CHRISTIAN SINGLES : GUIDE TO
ENDING LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION Cont.
Medications
There are several types of antidepressant
medications used to treat depressive disorders. These include newer
medications—chiefly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—the
tricyclics, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The SSRIs—and
other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine
or norepinephrine—generally have fewer side effects than tricyclics.
Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before
finding the most effective medication or combination of medications.
Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective. Although some
improvements may be seen in the first few weeks, antidepressant
medications must be taken regularly for 3 to 4 weeks (in some cases, as
many as 8 weeks) before the full therapeutic effect occurs.
Patients often are tempted to stop medication too
soon. They may feel better and think they no longer need the medication.
Or they may think the medication isn't helping at all. It is important
to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work, though side
effects (see section on Side Effects on page 13) may appear before
antidepressant activity does. Once the individual is feeling better, it
is important to continue the medication for at least 4 to 9 months to
prevent a recurrence of the depression. Some medications must be
stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust. Never stop taking an
antidepressant without consulting the doctor for instructions on how to
safely discontinue the medication. For individuals with bipolar
disorder or chronic major depression,
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