PsychoTropicalResearch, serotonin and serotonin syndrome research.
Antidepressants - Compliance
Antidepressants - Compliance
Date Created: 24/03/1999 Last Modified: 19/01/2002 Last Checked: 07/10/2002
It is helpful to be confident about the biological basis of depression and the medical need for drug treatment (see other notes) and be able to discuss this with patients in an informed and confident manner. This is not always easy and requires a knowledge of alternative treatments as well as medication and its problems and side effects.
The commonest mistaken belief about antidepressants held by ‘patients’ is that they are addictive. Research shows that this is a very significant reason why people do not want drug treatment.
Whilst clarifying the falseness of this notion one could explain the likelihood of withdrawal effects after prolonged treatment (see other notes).
Side effects should be outlined (see various other notes) and the purpose and duration of treatment explained with particular emphasis on the importance of regular follow up, especially for patients who have experienced more than one episode.
The following information may assist patients
- Name and purpose
- Dosage details in full
- Things to avoid; foods, drugs, alcohol, activities
- Side effects and what to do
- Compatibility with other drugs
- Written information about the drug
When drugs are ceased gradual tapering of the dose is almost always the best stragegy.
All text ©Dr Ken Gillman MRC Psych - PsychoTropical Research®
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