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Mental health disorders are among the most common health issues, affecting more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults. But despite how widespread these challenges are — and despite greater awareness of them in recent years — the stigma of mental illness remains a significant problem, one that keeps many people from seeking vital support. Of all the U.S. adults living with a mental health disorder, more than half don’t receive treatment.

Breaking the Stigma of Medication For Mental Health Disorders

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders are medical conditions. Treating them with medication is no different than lowering cholesterol levels with statins or maintaining balanced blood sugar with insulin. However, there are many misconceptions and negative connotations unique to mental health treatment.

No one should be discouraged from seeking the treatment that they need to feel their best. Here are a few reasons why there is no shame in taking medication for a mental health disorder.

Taking medication doesn’t mean you’re unable to manage your health on your own.

Despite the benefits of psychiatric medication, many people consider it a last resort to explore only after trying therapy and lifestyle habits like mindfulness and exercise. Often, this stems from a misconception that those who take medication for a mental health disorder aren’t working hard enough to manage their problems.

Living with a mental health condition looks different for everyone. While some people are able to manage symptoms of depression or anxiety with therapy and lifestyle changes alone, others need a treatment plan that includes medication.

Given how difficult it can be to seek a mental health diagnosis — not to mention to share your feelings openly with a healthcare professional — taking medication is not at all a sign of weakness. It reflects a commitment to your health and wellness, one to be proud of.

Keep in mind, too, that medication and therapy aren’t mutually exclusive tools, and in deciding to take medication, you’re not choosing between the two. Far from a substitute for therapy, medication is in some cases necessary for therapy to be impactful. For example, many people with a depressive disorder find that they need to first address symptoms with medication in order to benefit from therapy sessions. Research has also affirmed this approach: some studies have found that a combination of therapy and medication is more effective at treating depression and eating disorders than either individual treatment.

It isn’t “taking the easy way out.”

Many who equate medication use with weakness see this treatment option as putting a band-aid over a problem, or taking the easy way out. On the contrary, psychiatric medications are far from a quick fix. Medication therapy can take time and a fair amount of trial and error.

With many of these medications, it can take several weeks or more before you experience the benefits. For example, many selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) — a type of medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety — take two weeks to begin to have a therapeutic effect, and up to six weeks to reach a full therapeutic effect. This is why it’s important to be patient when starting a new medication, and to continue to take it as prescribed even if you don’t feel like it’s working. If you have concerns after several weeks, speak with your provider.

Also, while a medication may be able to relieve symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is not a cure. Rather, it is often what allows many people to do the challenging work of managing an ongoing condition.

Psychiatric medication is a valid and effective treatment option for a medical condition.

Mental health disorders are medical conditions with physiological components. They are frequently rooted in genetics or an imbalance of chemicals in your brain. Many psychiatric medications adjust the balance of your brain chemistry to relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety. For example, SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), and escitalopram (Lexapro®) increase serotonin levels. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — another group of medications that includes venlafaxine (Effexor®) and duloxetine (Cymbalta®) — increase serotonin and norepinephrine.

Another common misconception about psychiatric medications is that they will alter your personality or make you less “you.” Many people who take medication find that they actually feel more like themselves with treatment — symptoms of mental health disorders can greatly interfere with your relationships and work and keep you from experiencing a full life.

Like most medications, some medications for anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders do have the potential for side effects. There are a variety of medication options for these conditions, so if you have concerns about side effects associated with one option in particular, your provider can help you explore alternatives.

Keep in mind that each person’s response to medication is unique. If you know someone who had side effects from one medication, it doesn’t mean that you will have the same experience.

A combination of medication and therapy can be an effective treatment option for many mental health disorders. Like determining the best medication for your symptoms, finding the right therapist can take time. Here are some tips.

If you have insurance coverage of therapy sessions, check your insurance company’s provider network as a starting point.

Look through reputable online databases like Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association (APA)’s psychologist locator.

Some therapists offer sliding scale fees to make sessions more affordable.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, need emotional support, or are concerned for a loved one, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Taking care of your mental health is easier with a reliable pharmacy on your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your medications, and we offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Whether used to fight short-term illnesses or to treat chronic physical or mental health issues, medications can be life-saving or life-changing when used appropriately. Unfortunately, medication is only taken as prescribed 50% of the time, in some cases resulting in serious health complications.

The Importance of Taking Your Medication As Prescribed

Understanding what it means to take a medication as prescribed — and why it’s so important — is a critical first step to following the care plan your doctor has recommended. Below, we share general guidelines for safe and effective medication use as well the tools Alto offers to help you stay on track with treatment.

What does it mean to take a medication as prescribed?

For starters, it’s more than simply taking the medication. Other key aspects include:

Taking the full dose of your medication on time.

Taking your medication at the time of day that your doctor has instructed you to.

In the case of short-term medication use, taking the full course of treatment. For instance, antibiotics are typically prescribed for 7-14 days. You may feel better after several days of treatment, but this doesn’t mean that the infection has been resolved. Taking an antibiotic for less time than directed can lead to a worsening of symptoms or resistance to that particular medication.

Following any other instructions from your pharmacist or provider, such as taking your medication with food, on an empty stomach, or several hours after eating. They may also tell you to avoid consuming certain foods or drinks when taking your medication, or engaging in activities that require your full attention, if your medication causes drowsiness.

Taking a medication as prescribed is essential to experiencing its benefits. Many of the guidelines above are necessary to have the right amount of a medication in your blood. Timing and dosage are so important because they are the main factors that can ensure consistent blood levels of your medication.

With many medications, directions about food and drinks also relate to medication blood levels. There are instances when a food or supplement interacts with a medication, affecting your blood levels of that medication or preventing it from entering your bloodstream altogether.

There are some common known food-medication interactions:

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can prevent your body from breaking down cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to higher blood levels of the medication and a greater risk of side effects.

Dairy products may affect the body’s absorption of certain antibiotics. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, ask your pharmacist about potential food-medication interactions.

Vitamin K-rich vegetables such as broccoli and spinach can interfere with the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin.

Your provider may also give you instructions to ensure that your medication has minimal, if any, impact on your daily life. For example, medications that increase your energy are typically recommended to take early in the day, while medications that cause drowsiness are typically recommended to take at night.

There are numerous reasons a medication isn’t taken as prescribed. Fortunately, you can take simple steps like the following to stay on track.

Understanding the purpose of your medication can help you stay committed to your treatment plan. If you take multiple medications, it’s easy to forget why each one is so important. Never hesitate to ask your provider or pharmacist to clarify what a specific medication is used for — our pharmacists are more than happy to do so via in-app messaging!

Additionally, before starting a new medication, make sure you have the information you need to prevent medication interactions. We suggest asking the following questions:

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

If you have any concerns after starting treatment, share them with your doctor

Difficulty affording a medication or unpleasant side effects can both lead to skipped doses. If you have any type of concern about a medication, open communication with your doctor is key. They can help you discuss potential changes to your treatment plan, such as exploring an alternative medication. Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your provider.

Find your preferred system for remembering to take your medication

One of the most common reasons people don’t take their medication as prescribed is that they simply forget to. There are many ways to develop a medication routine and avoid missed doses. You may find it helpful to use a daily pill box or link the act of taking your medication with something else you do each day, such as brushing your teeth.

To help you stay on top of your prescriptions, the Alto app offers medication management tools, including custom dose reminders and auto refills. And if you take multiple medications, you can receive all of them in a single, recurring delivery through a free medication bundling service!

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Despite how widespread infertility is, affecting about 9% of U.S. men and 11% of U.S. women, the condition remains underdiscussed and misunderstood.

Information is critical to making the right decisions throughout your family building journey, but with so many misconceptions about fertility — and so much unsolicited advice — it can be difficult to know the best way forward. To help set the record straight, we’ve debunked several common myths about infertility.

Top Fertility Myths Debunked

Despite how widespread infertility is, affecting about 9% of U.S. men and 11% of U.S. women, the condition remains underdiscussed and misunderstood.

Information is critical to making the right decisions throughout your family building journey, but with so many misconceptions about fertility — and so much unsolicited advice — it can be difficult to know the best way forward. To help set the record straight, we’ve debunked several common myths about infertility.

Myth: Infertility is purely a female health issue

Infertility is often considered a women’s health issue, but in reality, only a third of all infertility cases are exclusively caused by female reproductive factors. Of the remaining two-thirds, half stem from only a male reproductive factor and half stem from a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.

Male infertility is most often the result of issues with sperm production, including problems with sperm quality and quantity. Fertility treatment can help address both male and female fertility issues. In fact, one reason for the perception of infertility as purely a female health condition is that it is sometimes women who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) even for a male infertility factor. (Men can be treated for infertility with oral medications or injectable hormone therapy, but these treatments can take six months to a year or more whereas a typical IVF cycle is just two weeks.)

If you and your partner are experiencing challenges conceiving, you both may wish to consult with a doctor about a fertility evaluation to determine the best next steps. Experts recommend seeking an evaluation after six months of trying to conceive if the female partner is over 35 and after a year if the female partner is 35 or younger.

Read Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Myth: Age doesn’t affect male fertility

Many people are aware that women become less fertile as they age, with a significant decline in the quantity and quality of their eggs from the mid 30s until they eventually reach menopause. Male fertility also declines with age, typically beginning around 35-40. And though the changes men experience are less significant — men never stop producing sperm and may be able to conceive well into their 50s, 60s, or later — a male partner’s age can influence pregnancy rates and how long it takes to conceive.

The age-related decrease in male fertility often stems from changes in sperm quantity and quality. Sperm quantity refers to the amount of sperm produced, while quality refers to its movement, size, and shape. These characteristics are important factors in male fertility, as they affect sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize an egg.

Myth: You’re too young to experience fertility challenges

Given that age is a factor in both male and female infertility cases, it’s understandable to assume that you won’t have difficulty conceiving in your 20s or early 30s. However, infertility affects people of different ages. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 7% of women between the ages of 20-24 face infertility, as do 9% of women between the ages of 25-29.

Age-related changes in fertility can vary by individual. While fertility typically begins to decline around the ages of 30-35 for most women, it’s possible to enter premature menopause and experience these changes even earlier.

Beyond the variation in age-related fertility issues, there are some causes of infertility entirely unrelated to age, including:

A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, or gonorrhea — conditions that can lead to blocked fallopian tubes

Other health issues including a history of chronic illnesses or cancer of a reproductive organ

Lifestyle factors including smoking and substance use issues

Remember that no one is ever too young to pursue fertility testing, and you are your own best advocate.

Myth: Getting a regular monthly period means you won’t struggle with fertility

Yes, the majority of female infertility cases are caused by problems with ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovaries — and a regular period typically indicates that you are ovulating normally. However, there are other drivers of female infertility, and it is possible to struggle to conceive even with a regular menstrual cycle.

Here are some reasons why you might have difficulty conceiving despite getting a regular monthly period:

Structural issues with the uterus or cervix

Endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere

Silent anovulation*, a condition in which a person does not ovulate despite getting a regular period

Fortunately, there is treatment for a wide range of fertility issues. A fertility evaluation is an important first step toward addressing your specific challenge.

*The majority of anovulation cases are characterized by an irregular period and therefore more easily recognizable, hence why those that include a regular period are referred to as silent cases.

Myth: Couples who naturally conceived previously won’t struggle with fertility in the future

Having an easy time getting pregnant once doesn’t necessarily indicate that you will have the same experience in the future. Infertility may develop at different stages of life, particularly when age is a contributing factor.

Secondary infertility occurs when individuals or couples who already have one or more children have difficulty conceiving again. It affects approximately 11% of U.S. couples and is caused by many of the same factors as primary infertility, or difficulty conceiving for the first time.

Regardless of whether you’ve been pregnant previously, don’t delay on seeking a fertility evaluation if you are struggling to conceive.

Myth: If you’re trying to conceive, just relax

It’s commonly assumed that stress makes it more difficult to get pregnant. While chronic stress may affect a person’s ability to conceive, it’s important to remember that infertility is a medical condition, and stress alone is unlikely to drive fertility struggles. In other words, try not to let your stress become a new source of stress.

That said, while healthy stress management isn’t a substitute for fertility treatment, staying mindful of your emotional and mental well-being can only make it easier to navigate the challenges of infertility.

A pharmacy partner for your fertility journey

Fertility treatment can be a challenging journey, but Alto is with you every step of the way. We offer free same-day delivery of your medications and fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and access to fertility-trained pharmacists.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your treatment? Request a price quote online or reach out through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Each year, February marks American Heart Month, an important reminder that heart disease is both prevalent and preventable.

Heart disease plays a role in 1 in 3 deaths in the United States every year. While several key risk factors aren’t controllable, including age and family history, your actions and habits can significantly affect your heart health. And since heart disease typically develops gradually, over the course of many years, prevention is important at every stage of life.

Small Changes for a Healthier Heart

Each year, February marks American Heart Month, an important reminder that heart disease is both prevalent and preventable.

Heart disease plays a role in 1 in 3 deaths in the United States every year. While several key risk factors aren’t controllable, including age and family history, your actions and habits can significantly affect your heart health. And since heart disease typically develops gradually, over the course of many years, prevention is important at every stage of life.

You’re probably already familiar with the importance of staying physically active — the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week — and smoke-free. Other habits can strengthen your heart, and many of them can easily fit into your day. The daily practices below can keep you on the path to a heart-healthy lifestyle for years to come.   

There are some well-documented heart-healthy food choices, like cutting down on saturated fats and trans fats.* But it isn’t just what you eat that matters — the timing of your meals may influence heart health, too.

Several research studies have found a link between good heart health and eating breakfast every day. Those who skip out on a morning meal may be more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol.

When planning your breakfasts, prioritize heart-healthy staples like fruits, veggies, protein, and whole grains. Pro tip: add some almonds to your morning smoothie — consuming a daily serving of nuts like almonds, peanuts, and walnuts can help lower your cholesterol.

*Common sources of saturated fats include red meat and full-fat dairy products. To find out if a food contains trans fats, check the nutrition label for partially hydrogenated oils.

Here’s yet another reason to brush and floss every day. Good oral hygiene has the potential to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, as numerous studies have found a link between oral health and heart health.

The underlying cause of this connection isn’t entirely understood, but some experts believe it may have to do with inflammation. Whatever the reason, be sure to brush with a fluoride paste for two minutes twice daily, and don’t forget to clean between the teeth with some diligent flossing!

Gratitude gets a lot of buzz these days — for good reason. Its effects go beyond mental health and into cardiovascular territory.

Negative thinking can lead to depression and inflammation, both of which have been linked to poor heart health. Regularly practicing gratitude can direct your thoughts into heart-healthier territory. Challenge yourself to write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for at the end of the day.

Warming up with a good soak in the tub isn’t just relaxing, it can also give your heart health a boost. One research study found that people who took a bath almost every day had a lower risk for overall heart health issues and strokes.

The reasoning? In dilating your blood vessels, high temperatures can help lower your blood pressure. Plus, hot baths can relieve stress, another common factor in the development of heart disease.

Heart-healthy living also includes staying well-rested. Numerous studies have identified a link between an individual’s sleep habits and their risk for heart disease. The reason? A state of deep sleep gives your heart a chance to recover from how hard it works every day. Your blood pressure drops and your heart rate slows when you enter a state of deep sleep.

Unfortunately, getting the CDC’s recommended seven hours of shuteye each night can be easier said than done. More than a third of adults report that they don’t sleep enough. The good news is that you can take small steps to improve your sleep hygiene.

As a starting point, try to separate screen time from bedtime. It’s best to step away from cell phones, tablets, and computers for at least 30 minutes before you hit the pillow. Not only do these devices stimulate your brain, they emit blue light, which can affect production of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin.

At Alto, we make it easier to manage your risk for heart health issues like coronary artery disease, and to stay on top of cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure management medications. 

We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to offer your medications at the best price we can. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up.

Reach out any time by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

Winter’s shorter, darker days often bring out feelings of sadness, lethargy, and fatigue. In many cases, these feelings are symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by seasonal shifts. 

While the nature of SAD means that symptoms tend to improve as the season changes, the condition should be taken as seriously as any other mental health disorder; untreated symptoms of SAD can interfere with daily life. And since SAD is often a temporary but recurring health concern, making a plan before the seasons change can help reduce the severity of future episodes.

How to Treat Seasonal Depression

Winter’s shorter, darker days often bring out feelings of sadness, lethargy, and fatigue. In many cases, these feelings are symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by seasonal shifts. 

While the nature of SAD means that symptoms tend to improve as the season changes, the condition should be taken as seriously as any other mental health disorder; untreated symptoms of SAD can interfere with daily life. And since SAD is often a temporary but recurring health concern, making a plan before the seasons change can help reduce the severity of future episodes.

Here’s what to know about seasonal affective disorder and effective treatment options.

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also referred to as seasonal depression, is characterized by season-related mood changes and other depressive symptoms. In the majority of cases, SAD symptoms begin during fall and peak during winter. It is also possible to experience the opposite pattern, with symptoms that present during spring or summer.

Since SAD is considered a type of depression rather than a separate mental health disorder, many symptoms overlap with those of major depressive disorder, the clinical term for what we commonly think of as depression. Those symptoms include:

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Feelings of low self-worth, guilt, or hopelessness

Symptoms specifically associated with winter-pattern SAD include:

Withdrawal from social activities or a desire to hibernate

Symptoms specifically associated with summer-pattern SAD include:

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression, speak with your healthcare provider or a mental health specialist for an evaluation and diagnosis.

Specific causes of seasonal affective disorder haven’t been identified, but reduced sunlight during winter is likely a significant factor, resulting in the following physiological changes.

Shifts in circadian rhythms: As seasons change, a shift in your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythms, can disrupt your sleep and energy levels. This can also disrupt your body’s production of certain chemicals, like the stress hormone cortisol, which can also contribute to feelings of depression.

Imbalanced melatonin levels: Seasonal changes can also disrupt your levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, and mood.

Decreased serotonin levels: Reduced sunlight is linked to decreased serotonin, a chemical in your brain that affects mood.

SAD is diagnosed in more women than in men, for reasons not entirely understood. It also affects younger adults more frequently than older adults.

Given the correlation between reduced sunlight and symptoms of SAD, the condition is more common among those who live further from the equator in either direction, where there are fewer daylight hours during winter months.

The following factors may also increase your risk of seasonal depression:

Family history: Many people who experience SAD have a relative with the condition or another type of depression.

Other depressive disorders: SAD may occur when symptoms of major depression or bipolar disorder intensify with seasonal shifts.

Decreased levels of vitamin D: It’s common to have less vitamin D during the winter as the result of less sunlight. This may play a role in the development of SAD, as vitamin D can boost serotonin activity. If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D from food or other sources, ask your doctor if you would benefit from taking a supplement.

Fortunately, there are many ways to treat symptoms of SAD, including light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. For many people, a combination of treatment approaches leads to better results. While symptoms tend to naturally resolve as the seasons change, treatment can provide earlier relief.

Light therapy, which consists of daily exposure to bright light to compensate for less daylight, is a frontline treatment option for SAD. In this approach, an individual with SAD will sit in front of a very bright light box for 30 to 45 minutes every day. Treatment typically happens first thing in the morning, but a supplemental evening session may also be necessary in some cases.

Light therapy is safe for most people, as the light boxes filter out harmful UV light. However, it may not be a good fit if you have certain eye diseases or take medication that increases your sensitivity to sunlight.

Never begin light therapy without consulting your provider, and make sure to discuss your options for bright light boxes.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is another common treatment option for seasonal depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for this condition.

CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors. If you experience SAD, CBT may offer the following benefits:

Finding the right therapist can take time. If you have insurance coverage of therapy sessions, check your insurance company’s provider network as a starting point. You can also look through reputable online databases like Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association (APA)’s psychologist locator. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees to make sessions more affordable.

Some people with SAD benefit from increased exposure to sunlight, whether it means spending more time outside during daylight hours or working from a space with ample sunlight.

Prioritizing your general health and wellness by staying physically active, eating a nutritious, balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can also ease symptoms. 

While antidepressants aren’t typically prescribed for SAD alone, medication used to treat major depression or another mood disorder may also improve season-related symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant that regulates serotonin, are particularly effective at treating SAD.

Always consult your doctor before stopping an SSRI. In most cases, you will gradually taper to lower doses of the medication before you stop taking it completely. This helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

In addition to SSRIs, bupropion (Wellbutrin®), another type of antidepressant, may play a role in the treatment of SAD, as well as supplemental vitamin D.

Though it can be frustrating, finding the right antidepressant can take some trial and error. Even if you don't feel like the medication is working, continue to take it as prescribed so that you can achieve a therapeutic level. If you have been prescribed an SSRI, it may take several weeks to a month to experience your medication’s benefits. If you still have concerns several weeks into treatment, speak with your doctor.

For more on the medications used to treat depression, read A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants.

If you have experienced SAD previously, a healthcare provider may recommend starting an antidepressant before winter as a preventative measure.

Choose a flexible and reliable pharmacy partner

Maintaining good mental health is easier with a reliable pharmacy on your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Unlike ordinary sadness, depression is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder. While prevalent before the pandemic, the condition has become even more widespread in recent years, affecting as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults according to some research studies.

If undiagnosed and untreated, depression can greatly interfere with daily life. Fortunately, medication and therapy can help manage symptoms. Here’s more on commonly prescribed antidepressants and what to consider when exploring your options.

A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants

Unlike ordinary sadness, depression is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder. While prevalent before the pandemic, the condition has become even more widespread in recent years, affecting as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults according to some research studies.

If undiagnosed and untreated, depression can greatly interfere with daily life. Fortunately, medication and therapy can help manage symptoms. Here’s more on commonly prescribed antidepressants and what to consider when exploring your options.

There isn’t one single cause of depression. Several factors can trigger the condition, including the following.

Experiences of trauma early in life can affect how your brain reacts to fear and stress, in some cases resulting in depression.

External circumstances including relationship changes, financial stress, or an unstable living situation can also factor into depression.

Like many mental health disorders, depression often runs in families.

Depression has been linked to other conditions, including sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Having a heart attack or stroke can also increase your risk of depression.

For women, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout a menstrual cycle or during postpartum or menopause may contribute to the condition.

A history of substance misuse is considered a risk factor for depression, and alcohol use in particular can worsen symptoms of depression. Treatment for a substance use disorder may be part of a treatment plan for some individuals with depression.

A depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences symptoms of a depressive episode for longer than two weeks. These are some of the most common symptoms:

Commonly prescribed antidepressant medications

Symptoms of depression can be managed with treatment, which may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments like prioritizing physical activity. 

There are many options for medication to treat depression. Your provider will make recommendations based on your specific symptoms. Below are some of the most commonly prescribed medication classes.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. These medications increase a person’s levels of serotonin — a chemical in the brain that affects mood — to alleviate symptoms of depression.

It typically takes several weeks to a month to experience an SSRI’s benefits. Even if you don't feel like the medication is working, continue to take it as prescribed so that you can achieve a therapeutic level. If you still have concerns several weeks into treatment, speak with your doctor.

SSRIs have been linked to the following side effects, though they are mild in the majority of cases. Speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of serotonin — like SSRIs — but they also increase norepinephrine, another brain chemical that affects mood.

These medications also have the potential for mild side effects, including the following. Speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Tricyclic antidepressants also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. An older medication class, they are less prescribed than newer medications as they have a greater potential for side effects.

Another older and less frequently prescribed class of antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) increase the amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in your brain. They have a greater potential for medication interactions than other antidepressants.

Potential side effects of these medications include:

Some commonly prescribed antidepressants, like the following, don’t fit into the above categories.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) belongs to a class of medications called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It increases your levels of norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce symptoms of depression.

Nefazodone (Serzone®) and trazodone (Desyrel®, Oleptro®) are 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, which use a different mechanism than SSRIs to increase serotonin levels.

Mirtazapine (Remeron®) is a noradrenergic antagonist. It increases norepinephrine levels.

What to consider when taking an antidepressant

Finding the right antidepressant for your symptoms of depression may take time and trial and error. There are some steps you can take to improve your chances of success with the medication your doctor prescribes.

After an initial stroke, 1 in 4 individuals will have another within five years. Medications play an important role in preventing another stroke and treating stroke-related complications, often in tandem with lifestyle changes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications based on the underlying cause of your stroke as well as its impact on your physical and mental health.

Medications Used After a Stroke

After an initial stroke, 1 in 4 individuals will have another within five years. Medications play an important role in preventing another stroke and treating stroke-related complications, often in tandem with lifestyle changes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications based on the underlying cause of your stroke as well as its impact on your physical and mental health.

Blog

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