When and why should you take antidepressants? A psychiatrist explains…

702’s Clement Manyathela speaks with Dr Alicia Porter, a psychiatrist.

Listen below:

An estimated million people in South Africa are on antidepressants.

Depression can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, namely serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline.

Antidepressants work by rebalancing these chemicals to allow the person to function as usual again.

Porter says antidepressants must only be prescribed to someone if their depression is starting to inhibit their normal day-to-day functioning, and other treatment methods have not worked.

“If you are not showing up the way you used to, if you are not functioning the way you used to at work, if you are not sleeping well, not eating well, that shows there is functional impairment.”

- Dr Alicia Porter, psychiatrist

While these medications can be life-changing for people with certain conditions, it is important to understand that they are not a simple, quick fix.

Firstly, certain antidepressants can take weeks or even months to reach their full therapeutic effects.

It may also take trying several different types of medications before finding the one that works for you.

“Depression looks different in different people. It is not a one-size-fits-all.”

- Dr Alicia Porter, psychiatrist

Many antidepressants also have side effects or can interact with other medications and drugs, such as alcohol.

Porter says most side effects are short-lived and last for the first month or so of treatment.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, sleep issues, and sexual dysfunction.

If you are going to take antidepressants, it is important to regularly communicate with your doctor about your concerns, especially as you transition onto the medication.

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