"They're effective, but not 100%" (:55)
Dr. Kenneth Robbins explains how antidepressants and mood stabilizers work.
Click the thumbnails below to watch more real stories.
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Bad Depression Drug Reaction
"But we found what worked"
( :45 )
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Two Drug Types
Antidepressants vs. mood stabilizers
( :55 )
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Finding Balance
Therapy helped, drugs proved essential
( :46 )
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Assert Yourself
Some docs need to be pushed to switch drugs
( :34 )
Share Your Thoughts
Do you believe antidepressants are effective?
While antidepressants are effective, they don't work magic. In this video, Kenneth Robbins, MD, clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains why doctors prescribe antidepressants. They can improve mood, concentration, sleep, and other daily aspects that start to suffer at the onset of depression. While many patients are on medication for a short time, your doctor may recommend you stay on antidepressants for years—or even for life if you are experiencing severe depression. If you have bipolar disorder you may forgo antidepressants in favor of mood stabilizers, which prevent manic episodes. And while people with depression may be on their medication only temporarily, bipolar patients are often on mood stabilizers for life. Some bipolar patients experience “cognitive dulling” from their medication, but it is important that they stick to their treatment to avoid manic phases. Studies suggest that patients taking mood stabilizers may not need antidepressants as well, since this can sometimes trigger manic phases. Just like depressed patients often have to try many medications to find the right fit, the same holds true for bipolar disorder.
Bad Depression Drug Reaction"But we found what worked"
Two Drug TypesAntidepressants vs. mood stabilizers
Finding BalanceTherapy helped, drugs proved essential
Assert YourselfSome docs need to be pushed to switch drugs
