Depression affects many individuals and their symptoms can range from low energy, shifts in appetite and difficulty focusing. According to both psychiatrists, using both prescription and non-prescription options together may help ease these symptoms and help people regain their lives.
Antidepressant medication may make you tired, particularly older tricyclic antidepressant options such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Desipramine (Norpramin) and Trimipramine (Surmontil). Newer classes of antidepressants may offer less fatigue-inducing solutions.
Non-prescription options
Depression can arise in response to any number of situations, from grieving over a loss, health concerns or changes in work or home life, leading to feelings of sadness or worthlessness. Nonprescription treatments may help ease symptoms.
Gerard Encenareal, Doctorate of Pharmacy Candidate from Manchester University College of Pharmacy; and Thomas Smith, PharmD, BCPP Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice from Manchester University College of Pharmacy are joined as speakers at this symposium.
Depression affects millions of people at any given time; for some it comes and goes; some struggle with it constantly. Depression often manifests itself through low mood, decreased interest in activities typically enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep issues and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
If you are suffering from major depressive disorder, which is diagnosed when five of the following symptoms are present for most or most days out of two weeks in a row, speaking to your physician will likely recommend antidepressant treatment options such as prescription antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are the first-line medications as they raise levels of serotonin in your brain but can take two weeks before becoming fully effective and four to eight weeks to become fully effective.
Modern antidepressant medications tend to have fewer side effects. They can increase energy, decrease insomnia and anxiety related to depression. Trazodone is one such SNRI that works by increasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Furthermore, its cardiovascular side effects are much lower compared to older antidepressant treatments.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been identified by Harvard Health as being key nutrients that may aid in alleviating depression. Omega-3s can be found in foods like salmon, tuna, chia seeds and walnuts – they serve as components of cell membrane phospholipids as well as aiding the body to form signaling molecules called eicosanoids that provide signaling capabilities to various parts of your body.
St. John’s Wort is often touted as an alternative treatment for depression; however, its effect may only be mild in cases of minor distress. Newer classes of antidepressant medication offer stronger energy-boosting effects and are regulated more precisely than herbal remedies.
Exercise
While many experience feelings of sadness or low mood from time to time, those struggling with depression experience intense sadness that lasts weeks, months, or even years. Although antidepressants can help temporarily relieve symptoms like tiredness, exercise is one of the best treatments for depression fatigue – including walking, jogging, yoga and strength training sessions. Psychotherapy should also be sought for an additional layer of help – and psychopharmacotherapy often recommended alongside antidepressant medication can also provide help.
