Antidepressants: 3 Things to Ask Before Starting

Patients considering antidepressants should ask about specific withdrawal symptoms before starting treatment, according to a panel of medical experts who spoke on the show Aging Untold on October 29. The discussion focused on how to identify when a low mood requires medical intervention and what to expect from the medication itself.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, noted that feelings of disconnection or low energy lasting weeks or months differ from a single bad day. She said the decision to seek support depends on whether the condition affects sleep, energy levels, or daily life. "Everybody is individualized so you can just talk with your provider," Rogers said. She advised patients to look for signs such as loss of motivation or a triggering event that starts a downward spiral.

Rogers cautioned that antidepressants are not designed to eliminate sadness entirely. "They are not happy pills. They don't take away the sadness, but they will be a way for you to work on how you got there or what else is going on," she explained. She listed chronic stress, thyroid imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies as potential underlying factors. Gerontologist Sam Cradduck agreed, stating that medication changes chemical imbalances in the brain to help a person reach a better place. "But you can't just take a pill and be done," Cradduck said.

Cradduck emphasized that talk therapy is part of the process. The conversation does not always require a licensed therapist, but it must address the issues that led to the low mood. "You need to be willing to face that, or it is just going to continue in a cycle," she said. Aging expert Amy O'Rourke recommended finding a psychiatrist for a thorough assessment to determine the right drug and dose. She also advised patients to track how the medication affects them.

O'Rourke shared an example of a client who experienced a racing heartbeat and sweating after starting a prescription. The client contacted her psychiatrist, who switched her to a different medication. O'Rourke said she wants patients to know the withdrawal symptoms before they begin. Rogers added that people do not all respond to the same drugs. "You cannot just stop it all of a sudden," Rogers said. She suggested that those who can afford genetic testing use it to help determine which drugs may work best.

Aging well coach Katherine Ambrose encouraged patients to combine medication with other supports such as journaling and positivity. She urged people to seek answers from their doctors. "Talk to your doctors, seek answers, get your rebound and come back," Ambrose said. "Try everything you can because it is worth bringing yourself back." Rogers added that patients should not forget to check thyroid function, hormones, and nutrient levels.

The panel concluded that depression is rarely caused by one isolated event. They emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes medical evaluation, possible genetic testing, and ongoing therapy. The program provided educational information and noted that the advice does not constitute a formal medical diagnosis or treatment plan.

Patients are encouraged to consult their licensed physicians regarding their specific medical conditions. The experts on Aging Untold stressed the value of open communication between patients and providers to create an individualized treatment plan.