🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 37 (from laksa178)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa037.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants","crawl_time":1775962850,"first_indexed_time":1535008645,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,co,bupa!www,\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants s443","src_root_hash":"3378999889352911637","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Antidepressants: Types, uses and side effects | Bupa UK","meta_descriptions":["Bupa information on antidepressants, including the different types, how to take them and the possible side effects."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Antidepressants are a type of medicine mainly used to treat depression. There are different types of antidepressant medication – your doctor will recommend what’s best for you. It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and all antidepressants can have side-effects, but these are usually mild and get better with time. Antidepressants can be very effective at managing depression.\nUses of antidepressants\nAntidepressants are a medication for\ndepression\n, often used alongside\ntalking therapies\n, like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor may give you an antidepressant prescription if you have moderate or severe depression and your symptoms make daily life difficult.\nIf your depression is mild, antidepressants may not be the best treatment. But if you’ve had depression before, have previously had more severe depression, or want to take antidepressants, it may be an option.\nIf you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, your doctor may suggest you take antidepressants to help prevent it from coming back again. But this will depend on what types of treatment worked best for you previously. Always discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment with your doctor before you make any changes by yourself.\nAntidepressant medication may be used as a treatment for other mental health conditions too. These include:\nanxiety, including long-term\nanxiety\n and generalised anxiety disorder\npanic disorder\nphobias, such as social phobia\nobsessive compulsive disorder\npost-traumatic stress disorder\nbulimia, an eating disorder\nSometimes, antidepressants are used for other reasons, such as for:\nlong-term pain\nsymptoms of the\nmenopause\n, such as hot flushes\nbedwetting in children\nurinary stress\nincontinence\nhelp with stopping\nsmoking\nAntidepressants usually take some time to work and you need to take them regularly to see if they’ll work for you. If you get worrying side-effects or the medicine doesn’t work, your doctor may offer you a different one. There are many options.\nIf you need help now\nThis page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services.\nSamaritans\n. 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone.\nNHS Services has a list of\nwhere to get urgent help for mental health\n.\nMind website\n. Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself.\nIf you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department.\nHow antidepressants work\nMost antidepressants change the amount of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. Neurotransmitters help cells in your brain to communicate with each other and are thought to help regulate your mood. It may take up to four weeks or so for antidepressants to start to fully work and reduce symptoms of depression.\nTypes of antidepressants\nThere are different types of antidepressants, which include:\nselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline\nserotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine\ntricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as lofepramine and imipramine\nmonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine\nThere are other antidepressant types that fall outside of these categories. These include mirtazapine and vortioxetine.\nThe different types of antidepressants all work equally well for treating depression. Your doctor will probably prescribe an SSRI antidepressant first. This is because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see our side-effects section below.\nYour doctor will talk you through which medicine is the best option for you. This may depend on your symptoms, what worked before, other medicines you take, other medical conditions you have, and your own preferences. It’s important to take your antidepressant at a suitable time of day, as some can make you feel drowsy so are best taken at night (if that suits your schedule).\nAsk your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of any medicines they recommend so you understand when you start your treatment. You may need to try different medicines before you find one that works for you.\nTaking antidepressants\nIf your doctor gives you an antidepressant prescription, they’ll want to see you again within a couple of weeks to see if it’s working for you. After that, you’ll probably need to go back each month for three months.\nSome people find that their symptoms start to improve a few days after starting antidepressants. But it often takes two to four weeks or so. That’s why it’s important to keep taking your medicine, even if you don’t feel better straightaway.\nOnce you’ve found an antidepressant that works for you, you’ll probably need to keep taking it for at least six months after your symptoms have gone away. This will help prevent your depression from coming back. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, you may need to continue taking your antidepressants for longer, sometimes for years. Always follow your doctor’s advice.\nYou don’t become addicted to antidepressants. Unlike addictive drugs, you won’t need increasing amounts to get the same effect, and you won’t crave them. But you can get some unpleasant symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. For more information about stopping antidepressants, see our side-effects section below.\nAlways read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. And if you have any questions about how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist.\nDriving and antidepressants\nSome antidepressants can affect your ability to drive safely. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you shouldn’t drive if your antidepressant medication affects your level of alertness or your ability to concentrate. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicine could affect your driving. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re safe to drive if you get behind the wheel.\nInteractions of antidepressants\nAntidepressants can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take any other medicines –  take a list with you to your appointment. This includes any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or supplements. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will give you details of any important interactions. Read this leaflet carefully as soon as you get your medicine and if you have any questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for advice.\nCan I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?\nIt’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants. This is because:\nalcohol is a depressant, and can lower your mood\nalcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy\nsome antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol\nIf you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with MAOIs – you can get more information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist.\nSide-effects of antidepressants\nLike all medicines, antidepressants can cause side-effects. These are unwanted effects you may get after you take your medicine. Side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment with an antidepressant. For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can.\nSome antidepressants have fewer side-effects than others. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have fewer side-effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidise inhibitors (MAOIs).\nThe most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant is an SSRI. This is because the side-effects of SSRIs are more tolerable than those of other types of antidepressant.\nThe side-effects of SSRIs may include:\na racing heart (palpitations)\nfeeling sick or being sick (vomiting)\ntummy pain\ndiarrhoea\nconstipation\nfeeling dizzy\npins and needles\nfeeling anxious\nfeeling agitated\ntrouble sleeping\nproblems with sex, such as a low sex drive\nAn uncommon serious side-effect that can happen after taking SSRI antidepressants is known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when your body gets too much of a chemical called serotonin. Symptoms can include:\nconfusion\nshivering\nsweating\ntwitching muscles\nIf you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.\nIt’s thought that young people may be slightly more likely to have suicidal thoughts when taking SSRI antidepressants. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999. Or, see the 'if you need help now’ section for further details of organisations that can help.\nChildren and young people are only offered antidepressant medicines after careful assessment by a psychiatrist, and will be monitored closely.\nYou can ask your doctor about the side-effects of other types of antidepressants. There are details of possible side-effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.\nIt’s normal to get some side-effects from taking antidepressants. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe another type of antidepressant to see if it suits you better.\nSide-effects when stopping antidepressants\nIf you take antidepressants and then stop, you may get what are called discontinuation symptoms. These include:\nfeeling sick (nausea)\nproblems sleeping, including vivid dreams and insomnia\nrestlessness\naltered sensations, such as ‘electric shock’ sensations in your head\nanxiety, irritability, and confusion\nNot everyone gets these, but they’re more likely to happen if you stop taking your medicines suddenly or miss doses. So, if you’d like to stop taking your antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. They may help you to reduce your dose slowly, over a period of weeks, to prevent these side-effects.\nLooking for support with depression?\nWe’re committed to helping people improve their mental health, which is why we’ve created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don't have health insurance with us.\nTo enquire about health insurance for future conditions, call us on\n0800 600 500\n∧","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#content)[Accessibility Help](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/accessibility)\n\n- [Individuals & families](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/business)\n- [Intermediaries](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/intermediaries)\n- [Healthcare professionals](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/healthcare-professionals)\n- [Find a healthcare professional or service](https:\/\/www.finder.bupa.co.uk\/ \"opens in a new window\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/decorative-images\/icons\/v-small-icon\/header-icons\/white\/help-support-mobile.svg?h=24&iar=0&w=24&hash=257A978BC9EDEA174B882EB2C2CBCE07)![](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/decorative-images\/icons\/v-small-icon\/header-icons\/white\/help-support-desktop.svg?h=20&iar=0&w=20&hash=BC72F3A8C70F80185D40734A3350FB28)Help & support](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/help-and-support)[![](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/decorative-images\/icons\/v-small-icon\/header-icons\/white\/call-icon.svg?h=20&iar=0&w=20&hash=A86A9E50354438CAF94E1A7680F24D36)![](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/decorative-images\/icons\/v-small-icon\/header-icons\/white\/call-icon.svg?h=20&iar=0&w=20&hash=A86A9E50354438CAF94E1A7680F24D36)Contact 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and Intermediaries\n\n[**Providers Online** I’m a Bupa recognised healthcare professional or provider](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/providers-online\/ \"Opens in a new window\")\n\n[**Bupa Connect** I manage quotes and cover for my business or my clients](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/BupaConnect\/Login \"Opens in a new window\")\n\n[**Consumer Intermediary Portal** I’m an intermediary with consumer clients](https:\/\/intermediaries.bupa.co.uk\/ \"Opens in a new window\")\n\nYou are here:\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/)\n- [Health Information](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health)\n- Antidepressants\n\n# Antidepressants\n**Expert review by:**\n\n- [**Dr Natasha Bijlani**](https:\/\/www.finder.bupa.co.uk\/Consultant\/view\/27928\/dr_natasha_bijlani%20 \"Opens in a new window\"), Consultant psychiatrist\n\n- [Introduction](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#introduction)\n- [Uses](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#uses)\n- [If you need help now](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#-if-you-need-help-now)\n- [How they work](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#how-they-work)\n- [Types](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#types)\n\n- [Taking your medicine](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#taking-your-medicine)\n- [Interactions](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#interactions)\n- [Side-effects](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#side-effects)\n- [Medicines checklist (PDF)](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#medicines-checklist-pdf)\n- [Leave your feedback](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#leave-your-feedback)\n\nAntidepressants are a type of medicine mainly used to treat depression. There are different types of antidepressant medication – your doctor will recommend what’s best for you. It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and all antidepressants can have side-effects, but these are usually mild and get better with time. Antidepressants can be very effective at managing depression.\n\n## Uses of antidepressants\nAntidepressants are a medication for [depression](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/depression), often used alongside [talking therapies](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/talking-therapies-for-mental-health), like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor may give you an antidepressant prescription if you have moderate or severe depression and your symptoms make daily life difficult.\n\nIf your depression is mild, antidepressants may not be the best treatment. But if you’ve had depression before, have previously had more severe depression, or want to take antidepressants, it may be an option.\n\nIf you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, your doctor may suggest you take antidepressants to help prevent it from coming back again. But this will depend on what types of treatment worked best for you previously. Always discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment with your doctor before you make any changes by yourself.\n\nAntidepressant medication may be used as a treatment for other mental health conditions too. These include:\n\n- anxiety, including long-term [**anxiety**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/anxiety) and generalised anxiety disorder\n- [**panic disorder**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/newsroom\/ourviews\/panic-attacks)\n- phobias, such as social phobia\n- [**obsessive compulsive disorder**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd)\n- [**post-traumatic stress disorder**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd)\n- bulimia, an eating disorder\n\nSometimes, antidepressants are used for other reasons, such as for:\n\n- long-term pain\n- symptoms of the [**menopause**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/womens-health\/menopause), such as hot flushes\n- bedwetting in children\n- urinary stress [**incontinence**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/urinary-bladder-problems\/urinary-incontinence-in-adults)\n- help with stopping [**smoking**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/lungs-breathing\/effects-of-smoking)\n\nAntidepressants usually take some time to work and you need to take them regularly to see if they’ll work for you. If you get worrying side-effects or the medicine doesn’t work, your doctor may offer you a different one. There are many options.\n\n## If you need help now\nThis page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services.\n\n- [**Samaritans**](https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/ \"www.samaritans.org opens in a new window\"). 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone.\n- NHS Services has a list of [**where to get urgent help for mental health**](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/mental-health-services\/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health\/ \"www.nhs.uk\/ opens in a new window\").\n- [**Mind website**](https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/ \"www.mind.org.uk opens in a new window\"). Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself.\n\nIf you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department.\n\n## How antidepressants work\nMost antidepressants change the amount of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. Neurotransmitters help cells in your brain to communicate with each other and are thought to help regulate your mood. It may take up to four weeks or so for antidepressants to start to fully work and reduce symptoms of depression.\n\n## Types of antidepressants\nThere are different types of antidepressants, which include:\n\n- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline\n- serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine\n- tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as lofepramine and imipramine\n- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine\n\nThere are other antidepressant types that fall outside of these categories. These include mirtazapine and vortioxetine.\n\nThe different types of antidepressants all work equally well for treating depression. Your doctor will probably prescribe an SSRI antidepressant first. This is because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see our side-effects section below.\n\nYour doctor will talk you through which medicine is the best option for you. This may depend on your symptoms, what worked before, other medicines you take, other medical conditions you have, and your own preferences. It’s important to take your antidepressant at a suitable time of day, as some can make you feel drowsy so are best taken at night (if that suits your schedule).\n\nAsk your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of any medicines they recommend so you understand when you start your treatment. You may need to try different medicines before you find one that works for you.\n\n## Taking antidepressants\nIf your doctor gives you an antidepressant prescription, they’ll want to see you again within a couple of weeks to see if it’s working for you. After that, you’ll probably need to go back each month for three months.\n\nSome people find that their symptoms start to improve a few days after starting antidepressants. But it often takes two to four weeks or so. That’s why it’s important to keep taking your medicine, even if you don’t feel better straightaway.\n\nOnce you’ve found an antidepressant that works for you, you’ll probably need to keep taking it for at least six months after your symptoms have gone away. This will help prevent your depression from coming back. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, you may need to continue taking your antidepressants for longer, sometimes for years. Always follow your doctor’s advice.\n\nYou don’t become addicted to antidepressants. Unlike addictive drugs, you won’t need increasing amounts to get the same effect, and you won’t crave them. But you can get some unpleasant symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. For more information about stopping antidepressants, see our side-effects section below.\n\nAlways read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. And if you have any questions about how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist.\n\n### Driving and antidepressants\nSome antidepressants can affect your ability to drive safely. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you shouldn’t drive if your antidepressant medication affects your level of alertness or your ability to concentrate. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicine could affect your driving. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re safe to drive if you get behind the wheel.\n\n## Interactions of antidepressants\nAntidepressants can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take any other medicines – take a list with you to your appointment. This includes any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or supplements. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will give you details of any important interactions. Read this leaflet carefully as soon as you get your medicine and if you have any questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for advice.\n\n### Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?\nIt’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants. This is because:\n\n- alcohol is a depressant, and can lower your mood\n- alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy\n- some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol\n\nIf you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with MAOIs – you can get more information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist.\n\n## Side-effects of antidepressants\nLike all medicines, antidepressants can cause side-effects. These are unwanted effects you may get after you take your medicine. Side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment with an antidepressant. For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can.\n\nSome antidepressants have fewer side-effects than others. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have fewer side-effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidise inhibitors (MAOIs).\n\nThe most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant is an SSRI. This is because the side-effects of SSRIs are more tolerable than those of other types of antidepressant.\n\nThe side-effects of SSRIs may include:\n\n- a racing heart (palpitations)\n- feeling sick or being sick (vomiting)\n- tummy pain\n- diarrhoea\n- constipation\n- feeling dizzy\n- pins and needles\n- feeling anxious\n- feeling agitated\n- trouble sleeping\n- problems with sex, such as a low sex drive\n\nAn uncommon serious side-effect that can happen after taking SSRI antidepressants is known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when your body gets too much of a chemical called serotonin. Symptoms can include:\n\n- confusion\n- shivering\n- sweating\n- twitching muscles\n\nIf you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.\n\nIt’s thought that young people may be slightly more likely to have suicidal thoughts when taking SSRI antidepressants. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999. Or, see the 'if you need help now’ section for further details of organisations that can help.\n\nChildren and young people are only offered antidepressant medicines after careful assessment by a psychiatrist, and will be monitored closely.\n\nYou can ask your doctor about the side-effects of other types of antidepressants. There are details of possible side-effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.\n\nIt’s normal to get some side-effects from taking antidepressants. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe another type of antidepressant to see if it suits you better.\n\n### Side-effects when stopping antidepressants\nIf you take antidepressants and then stop, you may get what are called discontinuation symptoms. These include:\n\n- feeling sick (nausea)\n- problems sleeping, including vivid dreams and insomnia\n- restlessness\n- altered sensations, such as ‘electric shock’ sensations in your head\n- anxiety, irritability, and confusion\n\nNot everyone gets these, but they’re more likely to happen if you stop taking your medicines suddenly or miss doses. So, if you’d like to stop taking your antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. They may help you to reduce your dose slowly, over a period of weeks, to prevent these side-effects.\n\n## Medicines checklist\n[**Bupa's medicines checklist (PDF, 0.8MB)**](https:\/\/assets.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/images\/healthmanagement\/pdfs\/bupa-medicines-checklist-pdf-logo-2019.pdf?la=en&hash=61BAAED8415ABCCAA7987489D38A297956EB62FA \"Opens in a new window\"), helps you understand what to check for before taking a medicine.\n\n## Looking for support with depression?\nWe’re committed to helping people improve their mental health, which is why we’ve created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don't have health insurance with us.\n\nTo enquire about health insurance for future conditions, call us on [**0800 600 500**](<tel:0800 600 500>)∧\n\n[Find out more about how we support mental health](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health\/health-insurance\/mental-health)\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n### What are the long-term side-effects of antidepressants?\nAntidepressant side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment rather than be long-term. The side-effects are usually mild and improve after a few weeks. If they don’t, speak to your doctor as they may be able to prescribe you an alternative.\n\nFor more information, see the section on [side effects of antidepressants.](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#side-effects)\n\n### What are the most common antidepressants?\nThe most common antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Doctors usually prescribe them first because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better.\n\nFor more information, see the section on [side effects of antidepressants.](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#side-effects)\n\n### Should I go on antidepressants for anxiety?\nAntidepressants may be used to treat anxiety, including long-term anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder. This is usually in combination with psychological treatments (talking therapy) and behavioural treatments, along with other medicines.\n\nFor more information, see the section on [uses of antidepressants.](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#uses)\n\n### What to avoid while on antidepressants?\nIt’s best to avoid alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants because alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy. And some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. Read the information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist.\n\nFor more information, see the section on [interactions of antidepressants.](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#interactions)\n\n### Do antidepressants make you gain weight?\nSome types of antidepressants can make you gain weight. These include a type called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can. If you have any concerns about weight gain, talk to your doctor.\n\nFor more information, see the section on [side effects of antidepressants.](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/antidepressants#side-effects)\n\n## More on this topic\n### Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)\nCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy. It helps you change how you think, feel and behave.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt)\n\n### Talking therapies for mental health\nBupa's mental health experts have created this information to explain more about the different types of talking therapies for mental health.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/talking-therapies-for-mental-health)\n\n### Anxiety\nIt’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. But if your anxiety is severe, it can interfere with your everyday life.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/anxiety)\n\n### Did our Antidepressants information help you?\nWe’d love to hear what you think. Our short survey takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us to keep improving our health information.\n\nThe health information on this page is intended for informational purposes only. We do not endorse any commercial products, or include Bupa's fees for treatments and\/or services. For more information about prices visit:  [www.bupa.co.uk\/health\/payg](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health\/payg)\n\n[Complete 2 mins survey](https:\/\/ecv.microsoft.com\/8o1RRa0jI2&ctx={\"Title\":\"antidepressants\"})\n\n## Where do we get our health information from?\n### About our health content team\nThis information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.\n\nAny information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers.\n\nThe information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page.\n\n### Sources\n- Antidepressant drugs. NICE British National Formulary. bnf.nice.org.uk, last updated 27 November 2025\n- Sheffler ZM, Patel P, and Abdijadid S. Antidepressants. StatPearls Publishing. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books, last updated 26 May 2023\n- Antidepressants. What side effects can antidepressants cause? Mind. mind.org.uk, published September 2020\n- Depression in adults. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 17 June 2025\n- Depression. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised April 2025\n- Depression in adults: Treatment and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). nice.org.uk, published 29 June 2022\n- Bulimia nervosa. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 4 July 2025\n- Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: Assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). nice.org.uk, published 7 April 2021\n- Menopause. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised July 2025\n- Bedwetting (enuresis). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised November 2024\n- Incontinence - urinary, in women. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised January 2025\n- Smoking cessation. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised May 2025\n- Assessing fitness to drive– a guide for medical professionals. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). gov.uk, published August 2024\n- Antidepressants. What do I need to know before taking antidepressants? Mind. mind.org.uk, published September 2020\n- Antidepressants. Royal College of Psychiatrists. rcpsych.ac.uk, published March 2024\n- Clomipramine hydrochloride. NICE British National Formulary. bnf.nice.org.uk, last updated 27 November 2025\n- Tranylcypromine. NICE British National Formulary. bnf.nice.org.uk, last updated 27 November 2025\n- Stopping antidepressants. Royal College of Psychiatrists. rcpsych.ac.uk, published March 2024\n- Generalised anxiety disorder. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 5 July 2025\n- Generalized anxiety disorder. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised April 2025\n- Neurotransmitters. EBSCO. Chara PJ. ebsco.com, published 2024\n\n**Content review by:**\n\n- [**Rachael Mayfield-Blake**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/health-blog\/author-profile\/r-z\/rachael-mayfield-blake), Freelance Health Editor\n\n- Page last reviewed: 19 August 2025\n- Next review date: August 2028\n\n![The Patient Information Forum tick](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/HealthManagement\/Accreditations\/Images\/pif-tick-colour-163-93.jpg)\n\nOur information has been awarded the [PIF tick](https:\/\/piftick.org.uk\/ \"www.piftick.org.uk opens in a new window\") for trustworthy health information.\n\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health)\n- [Health overview](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health)\n- [Health insurance](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health\/health-insurance)\n- [Health cash plans](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/business\/small-business-healthcare\/cash-plans-for-employees\/member)\n- [Health assessments](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health\/health-assessments)\n- [Pay as 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Facebook](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/informative-images\/social-media-footer-icons\/facebook-logo.svg?la=en&hash=2C0F9032376259968EABE21C19806EE2)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BupaUK \"Facebook - Opens in new window\")\n- [![Link to Instagram](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/informative-images\/social-media-footer-icons\/instagram-logo.svg?la=en&hash=F6D07DFC237A509DFE73EF945D781520)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bupa.uk \"Instagram - Opens in new window\")\n- [![Link to TikTok](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/informative-images\/social-media-footer-icons\/tik-tok.svg?la=en&hash=59D873084A9D9E9A0F0AFFA8479DDA0B)](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@bupauk \"TikTok - Opens in new window\")\n- [![Link to LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/informative-images\/social-media-footer-icons\/linked-in-logo.svg?la=en&hash=2B9565385569EACA60CA3FD765AAF9D3)](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/bupa\/ \"LinkedIn - Opens in new window\")\n- [![Link to YouTube](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/informative-images\/social-media-footer-icons\/youtube-logo.svg?la=en&hash=A6EE39732742DF8A24EF2372D70CFA79)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/BupaUK \"Youtube - Opens in new window\")\n- [![Link to Twitter](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/~\/media\/Images\/informative-images\/social-media-footer-icons\/twitter-logo.svg?la=en&hash=ECFDA20CB35F1A6BF949FA94DE85702C)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/bupauk \"Twitter - Opens in new window\")\n\n![Content is loading](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/Assets\/Global\/Components\/Img\/ajax-loader.svg)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Antidepressants are a type of medicine mainly used to treat depression. There are different types of antidepressant medication – your doctor will recommend what’s best for you. It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and all antidepressants can have side-effects, but these are usually mild and get better with time. Antidepressants can be very effective at managing depression.\n\n## Uses of antidepressants\nAntidepressants are a medication for [depression](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/depression), often used alongside [talking therapies](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/talking-therapies-for-mental-health), like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor may give you an antidepressant prescription if you have moderate or severe depression and your symptoms make daily life difficult.\n\nIf your depression is mild, antidepressants may not be the best treatment. But if you’ve had depression before, have previously had more severe depression, or want to take antidepressants, it may be an option.\n\nIf you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, your doctor may suggest you take antidepressants to help prevent it from coming back again. But this will depend on what types of treatment worked best for you previously. Always discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment with your doctor before you make any changes by yourself.\n\nAntidepressant medication may be used as a treatment for other mental health conditions too. These include:\n\n- anxiety, including long-term [**anxiety**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/anxiety) and generalised anxiety disorder\n- [**panic disorder**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/newsroom\/ourviews\/panic-attacks)\n- phobias, such as social phobia\n- [**obsessive compulsive disorder**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd)\n- [**post-traumatic stress disorder**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/mental-health\/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd)\n- bulimia, an eating disorder\n\nSometimes, antidepressants are used for other reasons, such as for:\n\n- long-term pain\n- symptoms of the [**menopause**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/womens-health\/menopause), such as hot flushes\n- bedwetting in children\n- urinary stress [**incontinence**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/urinary-bladder-problems\/urinary-incontinence-in-adults)\n- help with stopping [**smoking**](https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/health-information\/lungs-breathing\/effects-of-smoking)\n\nAntidepressants usually take some time to work and you need to take them regularly to see if they’ll work for you. If you get worrying side-effects or the medicine doesn’t work, your doctor may offer you a different one. There are many options.\n\n## If you need help now\nThis page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services.\n\n- [**Samaritans**](https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/ \"www.samaritans.org opens in a new window\"). 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone.\n- NHS Services has a list of [**where to get urgent help for mental health**](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/mental-health-services\/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health\/ \"www.nhs.uk\/ opens in a new window\").\n- [**Mind website**](https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/ \"www.mind.org.uk opens in a new window\"). Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself.\n\nIf you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department.\n\n## How antidepressants work\nMost antidepressants change the amount of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. Neurotransmitters help cells in your brain to communicate with each other and are thought to help regulate your mood. It may take up to four weeks or so for antidepressants to start to fully work and reduce symptoms of depression.\n\n## Types of antidepressants\nThere are different types of antidepressants, which include:\n\n- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline\n- serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine\n- tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as lofepramine and imipramine\n- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine\n\nThere are other antidepressant types that fall outside of these categories. These include mirtazapine and vortioxetine.\n\nThe different types of antidepressants all work equally well for treating depression. Your doctor will probably prescribe an SSRI antidepressant first. This is because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see our side-effects section below.\n\nYour doctor will talk you through which medicine is the best option for you. This may depend on your symptoms, what worked before, other medicines you take, other medical conditions you have, and your own preferences. It’s important to take your antidepressant at a suitable time of day, as some can make you feel drowsy so are best taken at night (if that suits your schedule).\n\nAsk your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of any medicines they recommend so you understand when you start your treatment. You may need to try different medicines before you find one that works for you.\n\n## Taking antidepressants\nIf your doctor gives you an antidepressant prescription, they’ll want to see you again within a couple of weeks to see if it’s working for you. After that, you’ll probably need to go back each month for three months.\n\nSome people find that their symptoms start to improve a few days after starting antidepressants. But it often takes two to four weeks or so. That’s why it’s important to keep taking your medicine, even if you don’t feel better straightaway.\n\nOnce you’ve found an antidepressant that works for you, you’ll probably need to keep taking it for at least six months after your symptoms have gone away. This will help prevent your depression from coming back. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, you may need to continue taking your antidepressants for longer, sometimes for years. Always follow your doctor’s advice.\n\nYou don’t become addicted to antidepressants. Unlike addictive drugs, you won’t need increasing amounts to get the same effect, and you won’t crave them. But you can get some unpleasant symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. For more information about stopping antidepressants, see our side-effects section below.\n\nAlways read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. And if you have any questions about how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist.\n\n### Driving and antidepressants\nSome antidepressants can affect your ability to drive safely. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you shouldn’t drive if your antidepressant medication affects your level of alertness or your ability to concentrate. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicine could affect your driving. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re safe to drive if you get behind the wheel.\n\n## Interactions of antidepressants\nAntidepressants can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take any other medicines – take a list with you to your appointment. This includes any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or supplements. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will give you details of any important interactions. Read this leaflet carefully as soon as you get your medicine and if you have any questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for advice.\n\n### Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?\nIt’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants. This is because:\n\n- alcohol is a depressant, and can lower your mood\n- alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy\n- some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol\n\nIf you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with MAOIs – you can get more information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist.\n\n## Side-effects of antidepressants\nLike all medicines, antidepressants can cause side-effects. These are unwanted effects you may get after you take your medicine. Side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment with an antidepressant. For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can.\n\nSome antidepressants have fewer side-effects than others. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have fewer side-effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidise inhibitors (MAOIs).\n\nThe most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant is an SSRI. This is because the side-effects of SSRIs are more tolerable than those of other types of antidepressant.\n\nThe side-effects of SSRIs may include:\n\n- a racing heart (palpitations)\n- feeling sick or being sick (vomiting)\n- tummy pain\n- diarrhoea\n- constipation\n- feeling dizzy\n- pins and needles\n- feeling anxious\n- feeling agitated\n- trouble sleeping\n- problems with sex, such as a low sex drive\n\nAn uncommon serious side-effect that can happen after taking SSRI antidepressants is known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when your body gets too much of a chemical called serotonin. Symptoms can include:\n\n- confusion\n- shivering\n- sweating\n- twitching muscles\n\nIf you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.\n\nIt’s thought that young people may be slightly more likely to have suicidal thoughts when taking SSRI antidepressants. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999. Or, see the 'if you need help now’ section for further details of organisations that can help.\n\nChildren and young people are only offered antidepressant medicines after careful assessment by a psychiatrist, and will be monitored closely.\n\nYou can ask your doctor about the side-effects of other types of antidepressants. There are details of possible side-effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.\n\nIt’s normal to get some side-effects from taking antidepressants. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe another type of antidepressant to see if it suits you better.\n\n### Side-effects when stopping antidepressants\nIf you take antidepressants and then stop, you may get what are called discontinuation symptoms. These include:\n\n- feeling sick (nausea)\n- problems sleeping, including vivid dreams and insomnia\n- restlessness\n- altered sensations, such as ‘electric shock’ sensations in your head\n- anxiety, irritability, and confusion\n\nNot everyone gets these, but they’re more likely to happen if you stop taking your medicines suddenly or miss doses. So, if you’d like to stop taking your antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. They may help you to reduce your dose slowly, over a period of weeks, to prevent these side-effects.\n\n## Looking for support with depression?\nWe’re committed to helping people improve their mental health, which is why we’ve created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don't have health insurance with us.\n\nTo enquire about health insurance for future conditions, call us on [**0800 600 500**](<tel:0800 600 500>)∧","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Antidepressants are a type of medicine mainly used to treat depression. There are different types of antidepressant medication – your doctor will recommend what’s best for you. It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and all antidepressants can have side-effects, but these are usually mild and get better with time. Antidepressants can be very effective at managing depression. Uses of antidepressants Antidepressants are a medication for depression , often used alongside talking therapies , like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor may give you an antidepressant prescription if you have moderate or severe depression and your symptoms make daily life difficult. If your depression is mild, antidepressants may not be the best treatment. But if you’ve had depression before, have previously had more severe depression, or want to take antidepressants, it may be an option. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, your doctor may suggest you take antidepressants to help prevent it from coming back again. But this will depend on what types of treatment worked best for you previously. Always discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment with your doctor before you make any changes by yourself. Antidepressant medication may be used as a treatment for other mental health conditions too. These include: anxiety, including long-term anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder panic disorder phobias, such as social phobia obsessive compulsive disorder post-traumatic stress disorder bulimia, an eating disorder Sometimes, antidepressants are used for other reasons, such as for: long-term pain symptoms of the menopause , such as hot flushes bedwetting in children urinary stress incontinence help with stopping smoking Antidepressants usually take some time to work and you need to take them regularly to see if they’ll work for you. If you get worrying side-effects or the medicine doesn’t work, your doctor may offer you a different one. There are many options. If you need help now This page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services. Samaritans . 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone. NHS Services has a list of where to get urgent help for mental health . Mind website . Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department. How antidepressants work Most antidepressants change the amount of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. Neurotransmitters help cells in your brain to communicate with each other and are thought to help regulate your mood. It may take up to four weeks or so for antidepressants to start to fully work and reduce symptoms of depression. Types of antidepressants There are different types of antidepressants, which include: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as lofepramine and imipramine monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine There are other antidepressant types that fall outside of these categories. These include mirtazapine and vortioxetine. The different types of antidepressants all work equally well for treating depression. Your doctor will probably prescribe an SSRI antidepressant first. This is because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see our side-effects section below. Your doctor will talk you through which medicine is the best option for you. This may depend on your symptoms, what worked before, other medicines you take, other medical conditions you have, and your own preferences. It’s important to take your antidepressant at a suitable time of day, as some can make you feel drowsy so are best taken at night (if that suits your schedule). Ask your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of any medicines they recommend so you understand when you start your treatment. You may need to try different medicines before you find one that works for you. Taking antidepressants If your doctor gives you an antidepressant prescription, they’ll want to see you again within a couple of weeks to see if it’s working for you. After that, you’ll probably need to go back each month for three months. Some people find that their symptoms start to improve a few days after starting antidepressants. But it often takes two to four weeks or so. That’s why it’s important to keep taking your medicine, even if you don’t feel better straightaway. Once you’ve found an antidepressant that works for you, you’ll probably need to keep taking it for at least six months after your symptoms have gone away. This will help prevent your depression from coming back. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, you may need to continue taking your antidepressants for longer, sometimes for years. Always follow your doctor’s advice. You don’t become addicted to antidepressants. Unlike addictive drugs, you won’t need increasing amounts to get the same effect, and you won’t crave them. But you can get some unpleasant symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. For more information about stopping antidepressants, see our side-effects section below. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. And if you have any questions about how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist. Driving and antidepressants Some antidepressants can affect your ability to drive safely. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you shouldn’t drive if your antidepressant medication affects your level of alertness or your ability to concentrate. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicine could affect your driving. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re safe to drive if you get behind the wheel. Interactions of antidepressants Antidepressants can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take any other medicines – take a list with you to your appointment. This includes any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or supplements. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will give you details of any important interactions. Read this leaflet carefully as soon as you get your medicine and if you have any questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for advice. Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants? It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants. This is because: alcohol is a depressant, and can lower your mood alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol If you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with MAOIs – you can get more information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist. Side-effects of antidepressants Like all medicines, antidepressants can cause side-effects. These are unwanted effects you may get after you take your medicine. Side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment with an antidepressant. For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can. Some antidepressants have fewer side-effects than others. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have fewer side-effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidise inhibitors (MAOIs). The most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant is an SSRI. This is because the side-effects of SSRIs are more tolerable than those of other types of antidepressant. The side-effects of SSRIs may include: a racing heart (palpitations) feeling sick or being sick (vomiting) tummy pain diarrhoea constipation feeling dizzy pins and needles feeling anxious feeling agitated trouble sleeping problems with sex, such as a low sex drive An uncommon serious side-effect that can happen after taking SSRI antidepressants is known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when your body gets too much of a chemical called serotonin. Symptoms can include: confusion shivering sweating twitching muscles If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. It’s thought that young people may be slightly more likely to have suicidal thoughts when taking SSRI antidepressants. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999. Or, see the 'if you need help now’ section for further details of organisations that can help. Children and young people are only offered antidepressant medicines after careful assessment by a psychiatrist, and will be monitored closely. You can ask your doctor about the side-effects of other types of antidepressants. There are details of possible side-effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. It’s normal to get some side-effects from taking antidepressants. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe another type of antidepressant to see if it suits you better. Side-effects when stopping antidepressants If you take antidepressants and then stop, you may get what are called discontinuation symptoms. These include: feeling sick (nausea) problems sleeping, including vivid dreams and insomnia restlessness altered sensations, such as ‘electric shock’ sensations in your head anxiety, irritability, and confusion Not everyone gets these, but they’re more likely to happen if you stop taking your medicines suddenly or miss doses. So, if you’d like to stop taking your antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. They may help you to reduce your dose slowly, over a period of weeks, to prevent these side-effects. Looking for support with depression? We’re committed to helping people improve their mental health, which is why we’ve created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don't have health insurance with us. To enquire about health insurance for future conditions, call us on 0800 600 500 ∧
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are here: - [Home](https://www.bupa.co.uk/) - [Health Information](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information) - [Mental health](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health) - Antidepressants # Antidepressants Expert review by: - [Dr Natasha Bijlani](https://www.finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultant/view/27928/dr_natasha_bijlani%20 "Opens in a new window"), Consultant psychiatrist - [Introduction](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#introduction) - [Uses](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#uses) - [If you need help now](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#-if-you-need-help-now) - [How they work](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#how-they-work) - [Types](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#types) - [Taking your medicine](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#taking-your-medicine) - [Interactions](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#interactions) - [Side-effects](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#side-effects) - [Medicines checklist (PDF)](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#medicines-checklist-pdf) - [Leave your feedback](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#leave-your-feedback) Antidepressants are a type of medicine mainly used to treat depression. There are different types of antidepressant medication – your doctor will recommend what’s best for you. It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and all antidepressants can have side-effects, but these are usually mild and get better with time. Antidepressants can be very effective at managing depression. ## Uses of antidepressants Antidepressants are a medication for [depression](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/depression), often used alongside [talking therapies](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/talking-therapies-for-mental-health), like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor may give you an antidepressant prescription if you have moderate or severe depression and your symptoms make daily life difficult. If your depression is mild, antidepressants may not be the best treatment. But if you’ve had depression before, have previously had more severe depression, or want to take antidepressants, it may be an option. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, your doctor may suggest you take antidepressants to help prevent it from coming back again. But this will depend on what types of treatment worked best for you previously. Always discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment with your doctor before you make any changes by yourself. Antidepressant medication may be used as a treatment for other mental health conditions too. These include: - anxiety, including long-term [anxiety](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/anxiety) and generalised anxiety disorder - [panic disorder](https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/panic-attacks) - phobias, such as social phobia - [obsessive compulsive disorder](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd) - [post-traumatic stress disorder](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd) - bulimia, an eating disorder Sometimes, antidepressants are used for other reasons, such as for: - long-term pain - symptoms of the [menopause](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/menopause), such as hot flushes - bedwetting in children - urinary stress [incontinence](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/urinary-bladder-problems/urinary-incontinence-in-adults) - help with stopping [smoking](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/lungs-breathing/effects-of-smoking) Antidepressants usually take some time to work and you need to take them regularly to see if they’ll work for you. If you get worrying side-effects or the medicine doesn’t work, your doctor may offer you a different one. There are many options. ## If you need help now This page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services. - [Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/ "www.samaritans.org opens in a new window"). 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone. - NHS Services has a list of [where to get urgent help for mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/ "www.nhs.uk/ opens in a new window"). - [Mind website](https://www.mind.org.uk/ "www.mind.org.uk opens in a new window"). Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department. ## How antidepressants work Most antidepressants change the amount of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. Neurotransmitters help cells in your brain to communicate with each other and are thought to help regulate your mood. It may take up to four weeks or so for antidepressants to start to fully work and reduce symptoms of depression. ## Types of antidepressants There are different types of antidepressants, which include: - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline - serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine - tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as lofepramine and imipramine - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine There are other antidepressant types that fall outside of these categories. These include mirtazapine and vortioxetine. The different types of antidepressants all work equally well for treating depression. Your doctor will probably prescribe an SSRI antidepressant first. This is because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see our side-effects section below. Your doctor will talk you through which medicine is the best option for you. This may depend on your symptoms, what worked before, other medicines you take, other medical conditions you have, and your own preferences. It’s important to take your antidepressant at a suitable time of day, as some can make you feel drowsy so are best taken at night (if that suits your schedule). Ask your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of any medicines they recommend so you understand when you start your treatment. You may need to try different medicines before you find one that works for you. ## Taking antidepressants If your doctor gives you an antidepressant prescription, they’ll want to see you again within a couple of weeks to see if it’s working for you. After that, you’ll probably need to go back each month for three months. Some people find that their symptoms start to improve a few days after starting antidepressants. But it often takes two to four weeks or so. That’s why it’s important to keep taking your medicine, even if you don’t feel better straightaway. Once you’ve found an antidepressant that works for you, you’ll probably need to keep taking it for at least six months after your symptoms have gone away. This will help prevent your depression from coming back. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, you may need to continue taking your antidepressants for longer, sometimes for years. Always follow your doctor’s advice. You don’t become addicted to antidepressants. Unlike addictive drugs, you won’t need increasing amounts to get the same effect, and you won’t crave them. But you can get some unpleasant symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. For more information about stopping antidepressants, see our side-effects section below. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. And if you have any questions about how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist. ### Driving and antidepressants Some antidepressants can affect your ability to drive safely. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you shouldn’t drive if your antidepressant medication affects your level of alertness or your ability to concentrate. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicine could affect your driving. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re safe to drive if you get behind the wheel. ## Interactions of antidepressants Antidepressants can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take any other medicines – take a list with you to your appointment. This includes any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or supplements. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will give you details of any important interactions. Read this leaflet carefully as soon as you get your medicine and if you have any questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for advice. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants? It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants. This is because: - alcohol is a depressant, and can lower your mood - alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy - some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol If you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with MAOIs – you can get more information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist. ## Side-effects of antidepressants Like all medicines, antidepressants can cause side-effects. These are unwanted effects you may get after you take your medicine. Side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment with an antidepressant. For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can. Some antidepressants have fewer side-effects than others. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have fewer side-effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidise inhibitors (MAOIs). The most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant is an SSRI. This is because the side-effects of SSRIs are more tolerable than those of other types of antidepressant. The side-effects of SSRIs may include: - a racing heart (palpitations) - feeling sick or being sick (vomiting) - tummy pain - diarrhoea - constipation - feeling dizzy - pins and needles - feeling anxious - feeling agitated - trouble sleeping - problems with sex, such as a low sex drive An uncommon serious side-effect that can happen after taking SSRI antidepressants is known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when your body gets too much of a chemical called serotonin. Symptoms can include: - confusion - shivering - sweating - twitching muscles If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. It’s thought that young people may be slightly more likely to have suicidal thoughts when taking SSRI antidepressants. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999. Or, see the 'if you need help now’ section for further details of organisations that can help. Children and young people are only offered antidepressant medicines after careful assessment by a psychiatrist, and will be monitored closely. You can ask your doctor about the side-effects of other types of antidepressants. There are details of possible side-effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. It’s normal to get some side-effects from taking antidepressants. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe another type of antidepressant to see if it suits you better. ### Side-effects when stopping antidepressants If you take antidepressants and then stop, you may get what are called discontinuation symptoms. These include: - feeling sick (nausea) - problems sleeping, including vivid dreams and insomnia - restlessness - altered sensations, such as ‘electric shock’ sensations in your head - anxiety, irritability, and confusion Not everyone gets these, but they’re more likely to happen if you stop taking your medicines suddenly or miss doses. So, if you’d like to stop taking your antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. They may help you to reduce your dose slowly, over a period of weeks, to prevent these side-effects. ## Medicines checklist [Bupa's medicines checklist (PDF, 0.8MB)](https://assets.bupa.co.uk/~/media/images/healthmanagement/pdfs/bupa-medicines-checklist-pdf-logo-2019.pdf?la=en&hash=61BAAED8415ABCCAA7987489D38A297956EB62FA "Opens in a new window"), helps you understand what to check for before taking a medicine. ## Looking for support with depression? We’re committed to helping people improve their mental health, which is why we’ve created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don't have health insurance with us. To enquire about health insurance for future conditions, call us on [0800 600 500](<tel:0800 600 500>)∧ [Find out more about how we support mental health](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-insurance/mental-health) ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the long-term side-effects of antidepressants? Antidepressant side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment rather than be long-term. The side-effects are usually mild and improve after a few weeks. If they don’t, speak to your doctor as they may be able to prescribe you an alternative. For more information, see the section on [side effects of antidepressants.](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#side-effects) ### What are the most common antidepressants? The most common antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Doctors usually prescribe them first because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see the section on [side effects of antidepressants.](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#side-effects) ### Should I go on antidepressants for anxiety? Antidepressants may be used to treat anxiety, including long-term anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder. This is usually in combination with psychological treatments (talking therapy) and behavioural treatments, along with other medicines. For more information, see the section on [uses of antidepressants.](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#uses) ### What to avoid while on antidepressants? It’s best to avoid alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants because alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy. And some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. Read the information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist. For more information, see the section on [interactions of antidepressants.](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#interactions) ### Do antidepressants make you gain weight? Some types of antidepressants can make you gain weight. These include a type called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can. If you have any concerns about weight gain, talk to your doctor. For more information, see the section on [side effects of antidepressants.](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/antidepressants#side-effects) ## More on this topic ### Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy. It helps you change how you think, feel and behave. [Read more](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt) ### Talking therapies for mental health Bupa's mental health experts have created this information to explain more about the different types of talking therapies for mental health. [Read more](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/talking-therapies-for-mental-health) ### Anxiety It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. But if your anxiety is severe, it can interfere with your everyday life. [Read more](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/anxiety) ### Did our Antidepressants information help you? We’d love to hear what you think. Our short survey takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us to keep improving our health information. The health information on this page is intended for informational purposes only. We do not endorse any commercial products, or include Bupa's fees for treatments and/or services. For more information about prices visit: [www.bupa.co.uk/health/payg](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/payg) [Complete 2 mins survey](https://ecv.microsoft.com/8o1RRa0jI2&ctx={"Title":"antidepressants"}) ## Where do we get our health information from? ### About our health content team This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. Any information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers. The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page. ### Sources - Antidepressant drugs. NICE British National Formulary. bnf.nice.org.uk, last updated 27 November 2025 - Sheffler ZM, Patel P, and Abdijadid S. Antidepressants. StatPearls Publishing. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books, last updated 26 May 2023 - Antidepressants. What side effects can antidepressants cause? Mind. mind.org.uk, published September 2020 - Depression in adults. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 17 June 2025 - Depression. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised April 2025 - Depression in adults: Treatment and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). nice.org.uk, published 29 June 2022 - Bulimia nervosa. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 4 July 2025 - Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: Assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). nice.org.uk, published 7 April 2021 - Menopause. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised July 2025 - Bedwetting (enuresis). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised November 2024 - Incontinence - urinary, in women. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised January 2025 - Smoking cessation. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised May 2025 - Assessing fitness to drive– a guide for medical professionals. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). gov.uk, published August 2024 - Antidepressants. What do I need to know before taking antidepressants? Mind. mind.org.uk, published September 2020 - Antidepressants. Royal College of Psychiatrists. rcpsych.ac.uk, published March 2024 - Clomipramine hydrochloride. NICE British National Formulary. bnf.nice.org.uk, last updated 27 November 2025 - Tranylcypromine. NICE British National Formulary. bnf.nice.org.uk, last updated 27 November 2025 - Stopping antidepressants. Royal College of Psychiatrists. rcpsych.ac.uk, published March 2024 - Generalised anxiety disorder. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 5 July 2025 - Generalized anxiety disorder. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised April 2025 - Neurotransmitters. EBSCO. 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Readable Markdown	Antidepressants are a type of medicine mainly used to treat depression. There are different types of antidepressant medication – your doctor will recommend what’s best for you. It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and all antidepressants can have side-effects, but these are usually mild and get better with time. Antidepressants can be very effective at managing depression. ## Uses of antidepressants Antidepressants are a medication for [depression](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/depression), often used alongside [talking therapies](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/talking-therapies-for-mental-health), like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor may give you an antidepressant prescription if you have moderate or severe depression and your symptoms make daily life difficult. If your depression is mild, antidepressants may not be the best treatment. But if you’ve had depression before, have previously had more severe depression, or want to take antidepressants, it may be an option. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, your doctor may suggest you take antidepressants to help prevent it from coming back again. But this will depend on what types of treatment worked best for you previously. Always discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment with your doctor before you make any changes by yourself. Antidepressant medication may be used as a treatment for other mental health conditions too. These include: - anxiety, including long-term [anxiety](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/anxiety) and generalised anxiety disorder - [panic disorder](https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/panic-attacks) - phobias, such as social phobia - [obsessive compulsive disorder](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd) - [post-traumatic stress disorder](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd) - bulimia, an eating disorder Sometimes, antidepressants are used for other reasons, such as for: - long-term pain - symptoms of the [menopause](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/menopause), such as hot flushes - bedwetting in children - urinary stress [incontinence](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/urinary-bladder-problems/urinary-incontinence-in-adults) - help with stopping [smoking](https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/lungs-breathing/effects-of-smoking) Antidepressants usually take some time to work and you need to take them regularly to see if they’ll work for you. If you get worrying side-effects or the medicine doesn’t work, your doctor may offer you a different one. There are many options. ## If you need help now This page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services. - [Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/ "www.samaritans.org opens in a new window"). 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone. - NHS Services has a list of [where to get urgent help for mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/ "www.nhs.uk/ opens in a new window"). - [Mind website](https://www.mind.org.uk/ "www.mind.org.uk opens in a new window"). Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department. ## How antidepressants work Most antidepressants change the amount of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. Neurotransmitters help cells in your brain to communicate with each other and are thought to help regulate your mood. It may take up to four weeks or so for antidepressants to start to fully work and reduce symptoms of depression. ## Types of antidepressants There are different types of antidepressants, which include: - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline - serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine - tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as lofepramine and imipramine - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine There are other antidepressant types that fall outside of these categories. These include mirtazapine and vortioxetine. The different types of antidepressants all work equally well for treating depression. Your doctor will probably prescribe an SSRI antidepressant first. This is because SSRIs are generally safer and their side-effects are tolerated better. For more information, see our side-effects section below. Your doctor will talk you through which medicine is the best option for you. This may depend on your symptoms, what worked before, other medicines you take, other medical conditions you have, and your own preferences. It’s important to take your antidepressant at a suitable time of day, as some can make you feel drowsy so are best taken at night (if that suits your schedule). Ask your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of any medicines they recommend so you understand when you start your treatment. You may need to try different medicines before you find one that works for you. ## Taking antidepressants If your doctor gives you an antidepressant prescription, they’ll want to see you again within a couple of weeks to see if it’s working for you. After that, you’ll probably need to go back each month for three months. Some people find that their symptoms start to improve a few days after starting antidepressants. But it often takes two to four weeks or so. That’s why it’s important to keep taking your medicine, even if you don’t feel better straightaway. Once you’ve found an antidepressant that works for you, you’ll probably need to keep taking it for at least six months after your symptoms have gone away. This will help prevent your depression from coming back. If you’ve had depression that has come back in the past, you may need to continue taking your antidepressants for longer, sometimes for years. Always follow your doctor’s advice. You don’t become addicted to antidepressants. Unlike addictive drugs, you won’t need increasing amounts to get the same effect, and you won’t crave them. But you can get some unpleasant symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. For more information about stopping antidepressants, see our side-effects section below. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. And if you have any questions about how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist. ### Driving and antidepressants Some antidepressants can affect your ability to drive safely. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you shouldn’t drive if your antidepressant medication affects your level of alertness or your ability to concentrate. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicine could affect your driving. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re safe to drive if you get behind the wheel. ## Interactions of antidepressants Antidepressants can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take any other medicines – take a list with you to your appointment. This includes any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or supplements. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will give you details of any important interactions. Read this leaflet carefully as soon as you get your medicine and if you have any questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for advice. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants? It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking antidepressants. This is because: - alcohol is a depressant, and can lower your mood - alcohol and antidepressants together can make you very sleepy - some antidepressants can increase the effects of drinking alcohol If you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. There are also some other restrictions on your diet with MAOIs – you can get more information from the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist. ## Side-effects of antidepressants Like all medicines, antidepressants can cause side-effects. These are unwanted effects you may get after you take your medicine. Side-effects are most likely to happen when you first start treatment with an antidepressant. For most people, antidepressant side-effects are mild and improve after a few weeks. It’s important to keep taking your medicine if you can. Some antidepressants have fewer side-effects than others. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have fewer side-effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidise inhibitors (MAOIs). The most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant is an SSRI. This is because the side-effects of SSRIs are more tolerable than those of other types of antidepressant. The side-effects of SSRIs may include: - a racing heart (palpitations) - feeling sick or being sick (vomiting) - tummy pain - diarrhoea - constipation - feeling dizzy - pins and needles - feeling anxious - feeling agitated - trouble sleeping - problems with sex, such as a low sex drive An uncommon serious side-effect that can happen after taking SSRI antidepressants is known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when your body gets too much of a chemical called serotonin. Symptoms can include: - confusion - shivering - sweating - twitching muscles If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. It’s thought that young people may be slightly more likely to have suicidal thoughts when taking SSRI antidepressants. If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999. Or, see the 'if you need help now’ section for further details of organisations that can help. Children and young people are only offered antidepressant medicines after careful assessment by a psychiatrist, and will be monitored closely. You can ask your doctor about the side-effects of other types of antidepressants. There are details of possible side-effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. It’s normal to get some side-effects from taking antidepressants. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe another type of antidepressant to see if it suits you better. ### Side-effects when stopping antidepressants If you take antidepressants and then stop, you may get what are called discontinuation symptoms. These include: - feeling sick (nausea) - problems sleeping, including vivid dreams and insomnia - restlessness - altered sensations, such as ‘electric shock’ sensations in your head - anxiety, irritability, and confusion Not everyone gets these, but they’re more likely to happen if you stop taking your medicines suddenly or miss doses. So, if you’d like to stop taking your antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. They may help you to reduce your dose slowly, over a period of weeks, to prevent these side-effects. ## Looking for support with depression? We’re committed to helping people improve their mental health, which is why we’ve created lots of useful information about mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can use it, even if you don't have health insurance with us. To enquire about health insurance for future conditions, call us on [0800 600 500](<tel:0800 600 500>)∧
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