Depression Home > Information on Antidepressants
As you might expect, the most common use for most antidepressants is the treatment of depression. But did you know they are sometimes used for other conditions? For example, newer antidepressants (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs) have been approved for treating panic disorder, bulimia, social anxiety disorder, and other conditions.
There are many different types of antidepressants, each with unique advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about the most appropriate medication for your particular situation. It is not uncommon to need to try out a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective and best tolerated medication, or combination of medications, for your situation.
Although antidepressants are generally well tolerated, they are not suitable for everyone. Before starting one, make sure your healthcare provider has up-to-date information on your medical history and a list of your current medications. In particular, let your healthcare provider know if you have problems such as bipolar disorder, any allergies, or any chronic medical condition.
(Click Antidepressants for more information on this class of drugs. This article covers how antidepressants work, lists other safety precautions, and explains how long they may take to start working.)