Displaying items by tag: medication

Antidepressant medication refers to a few types of medication that can help relieve symptoms of low mood and anxiety. These medications balance your brain chemistry – by affecting neurotransmitters that influence mood and emotions.

Antidepressant medication is often used to treat depression in combination with psychological therapies, but can also be used as part of treatment for other mental health conditions.

Antidepressants are often used to reduce the symptoms of depression, such as:

• feeling extremely sad for no clear reason,
• loss of interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy;
• sleeping too much or too little
• feelings of worthlessness, guilt or worry, and
• difficulty in thinking, making decisions or concentrating.

Antidepressants may also be helpful in the treatment of other mental health issues, such as generalised anxiety disorder and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

They may be prescribed when:

• you have tried psychological treatments and not found them helpful so far
• symptoms are severe, distressing, or impacting a lot on daily life
• you cannot access psychological treatments currently.

You might use antidepressants on their own (that is, as your only form of treatment). Or medications can also be used while trying other options, like self-help, psychological therapies or support in the community, and lifestyle changes like improving sleep and exercise. For example, people with moderate to severe symptoms of depression are usually recommended a combination of medication and psychological therapies¹.

Antidepressants are not for everyone, but for some people, they can be life-changing. There is nothing wrong with wanting to try medication, or needing medication, to improve your mental health.

 There are several types of antidepressant medication available such as:

• an older group, known as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• newer groups, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which affect the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Atypical antidepressants, which operate in a different way to most other antidepressants.

Newer groups of antidepressants tend to have fewer side-effects and are safer when a wrong dose is taken. They are prescribed more often than the older types.

They are effective – but not for everyone.

A large study reviewed and summarised hundreds of studies of antidepressants compared to placebos. The researchers found that overall, compared to placebos, antidepressants reduce symptoms of depression². Another study found that antidepressants can also improve quality of life³.

However, not everyone will respond to antidepressants in the same way. This means that it can be difficult to predict how well they might work for you. Some people find them very helpful, whereas for other people, they might not help or only have a small effect. Some people respond well to some types of antidepressants but not others⁴. Researchers estimate an average 30% of people who take antidepressants experience symptom reduction, and up to 50% for some types of antidepressants⁵.

Antidepressants are generally most effective for people who experience more moderate to severe symptoms of depression. Some researchers report that 40-60% of people who experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms will experience some improvement after using antidepressants⁶.

Initial consultation and prescription

Antidepressant medication may be prescribed by a doctor (a GP or a psychiatrist). A doctor can discuss options with you, and prescribe you a type of medication and dosage that they think would be appropriate for you.

It is okay to ask questions about things you are not sure about, and to express any concerns you have. There are some things you and your doctor can talk over to help decide what is right for you:

• How severe your symptoms are and how they impact you
• What different types of medication are available
• What they recommend, and why
• Any side-effects and how to manage these
• What to do if you wish to stop taking the medication
• Any allergies or physical health problems you may have
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Any other medications you are taking, or have taken previously
• How and when to take the medication
• How to store medication safely
• Other factors, such as foods which may need to be avoided.

Taking the medication

People who take medication as recommended by their doctor are more likely to feel better than those who take too little or too much. So make sure that you follow the directions on the pack to get the best benefit from your medication. Finding the right medication for you may involve trying one or more types of medication, or adjusting the dose.

It can take several weeks, or even a few months, after the first dose of medication before it has an effect¹. It is a good idea to check in with your doctor over time to discuss how you are feeling, and if you have any concerns.

Coming off the medication

Sometimes, people want to stop taking medication. You might find that the medication isn’t working for you, or the side effects are unpleasant.

Sometimes the medication does work, and you feel better. In that case, it can be tempting to stop taking it. Like people with diabetes or high blood-pressure, some people with depression and anxiety-related disorders need to take medication on an ongoing basis to ensure the depression or anxiety doesn’t return. However, others find that with ongoing psychological support or having learned new ways of coping with situations, they no longer need to take antidepressants regularly.

Before stopping or reducing any medication it is important to discuss your reasons with your doctor. They can advise on the best ways to reduce the dose safely. Stopping antidepressant medication suddenly can cause you to feel withdrawal symptoms, like feeling dizzy, agitated and uncomfortable, electric shock sensations, or low or anxious moods¹. So this needs to be done step-by-step with your doctor.

As with any type of medication, some people may experience side effects. Many of these settle down after a few weeks, when your body has adapted to the medication, while others may persist. Make sure you discuss any side-effects with your doctor.

Some examples of side effects are:

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbance
• Lower sexual responsiveness
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Weight changes
• Dry mouth

Some people unfortunately experience an increase in depression symptoms after starting an antidepressant medication. If you start to experience suicidal thoughts, or a worsening of mood and anxiety, it is important to take to your doctor as soon as possible.

A doctor can suggest changes to minimise side-effects, such as changing your dosage, the time of day you take it, or the type of medication itself.

To learn more, a GP or psychiatrist can provide a personalised discussion about whether antidepressants are the right option for you.

• 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) – Medicines Line
• Depression (SANE Fact Sheet)
• Antidepressant medications explained - NPS Medicine Wise
• Forums Community chats depression – SANE Forums

1. NICE. NICE Guideline for depression in adults: treatment and management [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Mar 30]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222/chapter/recommendations

2. Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, Chaimani A, Atkinson LZ, Ogawa Y, et al. Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Focus (Madison). 2018;16(4):420–9.

3. Wiesinger T, Kremer S, Bschor T, Baethge C. Antidepressants and Quality of Life in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder–Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled RCTs. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2023;

4. Maslej MM, Furukawa TA, Cipriani A, Andrews PW, Mulsant BH. Individual differences in response to antidepressants: A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials. JAMA Psychiatry [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;77(6):607–17. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.4815

5. Alemi F, Min H, Yousefi M, Becker LK, Hane CA, Nori VS, et al. Effectiveness of common antidepressants: a post market release study. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;41:101171.

6. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Depression: How effective are antidepressants. In 2015 [cited 2023 Mar 30]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/

Antipsychotic medication refers to a few types of medication that can reduce symptoms of psychosis, like hallucinations and delusions. They also help prevent those symptoms from returning. 

These medications work on brain chemistry – neurotransmitters that influence thoughts, mood and emotions. 

Antipsychotic medication is often used for the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but can also be used as part of treatment for other mental health issues. They can be used alongside other forms of help such as psychological therapies or community support. 

Antipsychotic medication can be life-changing for some people, although it may not suit everyone. It is ok if you need, or want to try, medication for your mental health. 

Antipsychotic medications are considered a front-line treatment for psychosis. They can be prescribed for an episode of psychosis, or as part of longer-term treatment. They help reduce symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, and can also help with mood, memory, planning, and other thinking problems. Antipsychotic medication can also be helpful in the treatment of other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder and depression. 

They are not addictive, do not make you euphoric, or change your personality. All antipsychotic drugs are designed to do the same thing — reduce psychotic symptoms and keep them away. However, they’re known to affect people in different ways, so your experience of taking them will be unique to you. 

Antipsychotic medication can be prescribed alone, or with other medications. Many people use antipsychotic medication to feel more stable and find it helps them engage with other support services. People often use them alongside other forms of help like psychological therapies, support with housing and employment, physical and occupational therapy, and more. 

Antipsychotic medication is generally effective. Most people with psychosis have fewer symptoms after starting medication. 

Initial consultation and prescription 

Antipsychotic medication is prescribed by a medical doctor (a GP or a psychiatrist). A doctor can discuss options for you, and prescribe you a dosage that they feel matches your symptoms and circumstances.  

Different medications work for different people; you and your doctor can talk over to help decide which is most likely to be right for you. While there is usually a period of trial and adjustment, there are some things that can be worth discussing to help decide on a treatment plan: 

• The impact and severity of symptoms. 
• What different types of medication are available  
• What your doctor recommends, and why 
• How long it might take to start working 
• How long you will need to take it for 
• Any side-effects and how to manage these 
• What to do if you wish to stop taking the medication 
• Any allergies or physical health problems you may have 
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant 
• Any other medications that you are taking, or have taken previously 
• How and when to take the medication  
• How to store medication safely 
• Other factors such as foods which may need to be avoided. 

There are two ways to take antipsychotic medication: by mouth or as a depot (sometimes called a ‘long-acting injectable’).  

• Medication by mouth usually means a tablet. It is important to take medication as directed.  
• Medication by depot is a regular injection, meaning you don’t have to remember to take it. It is a slow-release medication, so it lasts a lot longer than a tablet. 

Depots are used if there are challenges swallowing medication. They are also used if there’s a risk of forgetting or stopping taking medication, which can lead to a rapid worsening of symptoms. You can choose to take medication by depot. There are also circumstances where a doctor can legally require someone to take medication by injection, even without consent. That’s only done rarely, and always with health and safety in mind. 

It can take several weeks, or even a few months, after the first dose of medication before it has an effect. Checking in with your doctor over time can help keep an eye on how you’re going, and monitor any side effects.  

If you have any challenges – such as struggling to remember to take medication – it important to raise these with your doctor. 
 
Choosing the best medication is not always straightforward because the way people respond to medication is different. This means that finding the right one for you may involve trying one or more types, or making adjustments. 
 

Coming off the medication 

Antipsychotic medication is often long term. Many people with psychosis need to take medication as prescribed on an ongoing basis to ensure their symptoms don’t return. 

When medication starts working and symptoms reduce, people can be tempted to stop taking it. Some people may also want to stop taking medication due to side effects. Others might find that memory problems, or the symptoms of psychosis interfere with their decision-making.  

Before stopping or reducing any medication it is important that you discuss with a doctor. They can help with decisions about the best path forward. Stopping antipsychotic medication suddenly can cause problems, and lead to a return of psychosis. So any changes need to be done step-by-step under your doctor’s supervision.  

There are two key types of antipsychotic medication available:  

• A newer group known as ‘second generation’ or ‘atypical’ antipsychotics 
• An older group, known as ‘first-generation’ or ‘typical’ antipsychotic medications. These are generally only prescribed if the second-generation medications aren’t working for you. 

If you’re taking antipsychotic medication, it’s very likely you will experience some side effects. Work is being done to improve medications, but at the moment it’s often necessary to weigh up the benefits of medication against how side effects might impact you 

They vary from person to person, but can include: 

• drowsiness 
• weight gain 
• unusually dry or watery mouth 
• restlessness 
• trembling, especially in the limbs 
• muscle stiffness 
• dizziness 
• eyesight problems 
• moving more slowly 
• changed interest in sex, or problems having sex 
• nausea 
• constipation 
• increased sweating 
• pain or irregularity in menstruation. 

It’s important to tell a doctor about side-effects as soon as possible, and discuss any concerns.  

For some people, it can take months to find the right medication — that’s normal. 

If the side-effects of the medication you’re taking are too severe, or if your psychotic symptoms don’t subside, it might be possible to try other options. 

To learn more, a GP or psychiatrist can provide a personalised discussion about whether antipsychotic medication is the right option for you.  

• 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) – Medicines Line 
• Schizophrenia and Psychosis (SANE Fact Sheets) 
• The patient-psychiatrist relationship: it's a matter of trust (SANE Blog) 
• Stopping and switching antipsychotic drugs - NPS Medicine Wise 

1. 4329.0.00.003 - Patterns Of Use Of Mental Health Services And Prescription Medications, 2011’ Abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017. Accessed 17 March 2017.
2. Galletly et al (2016) ‘Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the management of schizophrenia and related disorders.’ Aust NZ J Psychiatry, Vol. 50(5) 1-117