There Are Medication Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Antidepressants help correct chemical imbalances in the brain by addressing the biological root causes of mental depression. Steady use of these prescribed medications can prevent depressive episodes from recurring, which offers long-term stability and helps people maintain balanced moods. 

The office of Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry uses patience, compassion and a wide range of knowledge to help our patients with psychological and emotional issues. Each of them is listened to intently and without judgment so he/she can get help in formulating a plan to move forward. 

Medications often work well in conjunction with psychotherapy. Unfortunately, though, some patients’ depression resists the effects of psychiatric drugs. If you’re one of those people, don’t give up! With the wide range of antidepressant options available, treatment can be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic benefits.

People have a variety of responses to antidepressants. If your psychiatrist prescribes you something and you feel no improvement after two to four weeks, he (or she) may increase your dose. Also, it wouldn’t be uncommon for him to switch you to a different antidepressant. Another option would be for him to add another medication that would give a boost to the one you’re already taking. It’s called “augmentation.” 

Most antidepressants affect the brain’s neurotransmitted chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Each antidepressant acts on these chemicals in a different manner. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often a psychiatrist’s first choice because they’re less apt to cause side effects. These meds include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).

Antidepressant serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), levomilnacipran (Fetzima) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).

The effects of these medicines aren’t permanent, so you have the advantage of trying one and then going off it if it doesn’t suit you. With time and patience, you and a psychiatrist will likely find the right therapy for your treatment-resistant depression.

Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry’s reputation for excellence is based on providing experienced and compassionate care with an unparalleled level of skill to give our patients the very best treatment results.For more information about how we can help you, call us today. Let’s start a conversation!