Rob Williams - Aida Therapy Newsletter

Be patient when working with your psychiatrist. It often takes several tries to find the right antidepressant. Your psychiatrist will select the most appropriate antidepressant based on your symptoms, the antidepressant's potential side effects, your medical conditions and any medications you're taking.

Antidepressants are not a quick fix and take time to work. They often take several weeks (or more) before positive results are noticed. Because everyone's brain chemistry is different, antidepressants will affect individuals differently.

Each antidepressant will have its own particular side effects. Many side effects are temporary and will go away once your body adjusts to the medication. Ask your psychiatrist about the typical side effects, how long they may last and when you should contact your doctor.

Don't stop antidepressants too early. If you do, the chances of re-experiencing depression are increased. For most people, it is not necessary to take antidepressants for the rest of your life. Many individuals take antidepressants for six months to a year or more.

The beliefs that antidepressants will change your personality or not allow you to feel are myths. If you truly need antidepressants, they should make you feel better and not worse. If you feel any of these concerns, talk to your doctor. You may be on the wrong medication or dose.

Antidepressants are not habit forming (addictive). Often people cope with depression and other problems in less healthy ways such as using alcohol or illicit drugs. Taking depression medication is a healthier alternative with less negative consequences.

Don't stop taking antidepressants without talking to your doctor first. For example, some antidepressants may cause withdrawal like symptoms if they are stopped suddenly or dosage is reduced too quickly. If you stop or reduce certain antidepressants suddenly, you may experience by flu like symptoms such as nausea, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, vomiting and dizziness. See a doctor if you start to experience these symptoms.

Short-term studies have shown that children using antidepressants have an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in the first few months of treatment. Children should be closely monitored when beginning antidepressants or changing dosage. Likewise, adults who have depression (or other psychiatric conditions) and a history of suicidal behavior should also be closely watched.

This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. Each person’s situation is unique. If you’re having a hard time using this or other tips, don’t hesitate to call me. We’ll find something that works for you. I’m here to help.

	In the Moment Mindful Awareness Tips You Can Use
Issue 19 April 2007	www.Aida-Therapy.com
Rob Williams MSW, MBA, LGSW Psychotherapy Individual, Group, & Couples 202.330.5390 1555 Connecticut AV NW Suite 401 Washington DC 20036 4920 Niagara Road College Park MD 20740 www.aida-therapy.com Forward this to someone who might benefit from this help! Send me your questions! rob@aida-therapy.com Visit on the Web: www.aida-therapy.com Click here for Mindful Awareness Class Sign Up	In this issue: What You Should Know About Antidepressants “Antidepressants are used to treat depression and a variety of other conditions such as anxiety, panic, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).” Here is a list of helpful information about antidepressants (not in order of importance): Be patient when working with your psychiatrist. It often takes several tries to find the right antidepressant. Your psychiatrist will select the most appropriate antidepressant based on your symptoms, the antidepressant's potential side effects, your medical conditions and any medications you're taking. Antidepressants are not a quick fix and take time to work. They often take several weeks (or more) before positive results are noticed. Because everyone's brain chemistry is different, antidepressants will affect individuals differently. Each antidepressant will have its own particular side effects. Many side effects are temporary and will go away once your body adjusts to the medication. Ask your psychiatrist about the typical side effects, how long they may last and when you should contact your doctor. Don't stop antidepressants too early. If you do, the chances of re-experiencing depression are increased. For most people, it is not necessary to take antidepressants for the rest of your life. Many individuals take antidepressants for six months to a year or more. The beliefs that antidepressants will change your personality or not allow you to feel are myths. If you truly need antidepressants, they should make you feel better and not worse. If you feel any of these concerns, talk to your doctor. You may be on the wrong medication or dose. Antidepressants are not habit forming (addictive). Often people cope with depression and other problems in less healthy ways such as using alcohol or illicit drugs. Taking depression medication is a healthier alternative with less negative consequences. Don't stop taking antidepressants without talking to your doctor first. For example, some antidepressants may cause withdrawal like symptoms if they are stopped suddenly or dosage is reduced too quickly. If you stop or reduce certain antidepressants suddenly, you may experience by flu like symptoms such as nausea, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, vomiting and dizziness. See a doctor if you start to experience these symptoms. Short-term studies have shown that children using antidepressants have an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in the first few months of treatment. Children should be closely monitored when beginning antidepressants or changing dosage. Likewise, adults who have depression (or other psychiatric conditions) and a history of suicidal behavior should also be closely watched. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. Each person’s situation is unique. If you’re having a hard time using this or other tips, don’t hesitate to call me. We’ll find something that works for you. I’m here to help. Best Regards , Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW Source Citations: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=62026&nfid=crss
	Getting Help and Support from the Author: If you know of someone in need of help regarding a mental health issue, please give me a call. I’m here to help. 202.330.5390 or rob@aida-therapy.com Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW 1555 Connecticut AV NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20036 4920 Niagara Road, College Park, MD 20740 *202.330.5390* Maps to my offices: Here Copyright 2007 Rob Williams. All rights reserved. You are receiving this publication because either you, or someone close to you, stated that you wanted to receive it. I cover new topics every week. Feel free to make a suggestion if you’d like to learn about something in particular. To receive your own copy and receive news and resources, articles, trainings and other tools, please click here to subscribe to this newsletter. You are subscribed as To opt out of this newsletter, just Reply “unsubscribe” in the subject line or click here to unsubscribe. [Home] [About] [Newsletters] [Therapy] [Directions] [Groups] [FAQ]