Depression is a mental issue that can be difficult for elderly adults.It can affect your energy, sleep habits, and appetite, as well as lower your interest in hobbies, work, relationships and life.If you or an elderly loved one have been diagnosed with depression, you can take antidepressants to help.
Step 1: Look for drug interactions.
You need to make sure that any medications that you are currently on don't interact with what you might take when looking into antidepressants for elderly depression.There are a number of different drugs that can cause side effects.Make sure your doctor knows all the drugs you are taking.Let your doctor know if you are taking a supplement.These can cause more than one interaction.The main risk factors will be known by your doctor, but there are some smaller risks factors as well.It's a good idea to talk to your pharmacist.If you are at risk for a bad interaction, they have computer programs that can tell.You should get all your medication at the same pharmacy.The two SSRI's that cause the least drug-drug interactions are citalopram and escitalopram.
Step 2: There are medications that cause depression.
Some medications can make your depression worse or even cause it in the first place.Depression can sometimes be a side effect of these medications.There are medications that include Beta-blockers.There is a blood pressure medication.There are sleeping pills.There is a medication for Parkinson's disease.Steroids are used.They are tranquilizers.There are calcium-channel blockers.Over the counter medication for ulcers.The medication for cholesterol.It's a pain killer.Estrogen is the female reproductive hormones.The medication for arthritis.There is medication for the heart.
Step 3: Ask about Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
SSRIs are effective for elderly adults with depression.escitalopram, sertraline, and citalopram are the most common types.Older patients use these because they interact less with patients with cardiovascular problems.You should watch out for the side effects of these antidepressants.Insomnia is included.The mouth was dry.It's nausea.Drowsiness.There is a disease called diarrhea.Agitation.It's excessive sweating.Sexual problems are rare in rare cases.
Step 4: Take other drugs.
Elderly depression can be treated with some additional antidepressants.If they interact with the medication you already take, these may be considered.Bupropion is included in these antidepressants.There is a drug called Mirtazapine.Venlafaxine is a person.There is a creature called a molobemide.
Step 5: It's a good idea to avoid certain SSRIs.
There are some medical considerations you need to take into account if you are prescribed these medications.Some SSRIs should not be taken by elderly patients because of the side effects.Fluoxetine is a medication that you need to avoid.There is a drug called Paroxetine.
Step 6: Be careful with tricyclic antidepressants.
The use of tricyclic antidepressants for the elderly is no longer considered a first line treatment agent.The risks of drug interactions are too high for elderly patients.Postural hypertension is one of the major side effects.Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal.It's called Tachycardia.There are problems with metabolism.The mouth was dry.Retention of urine.There is Constipation.There is Delirium.In some cases, the worsening of medical conditions such as dementia, cardiovascular problems, and Parkinson disease.
Step 7: Start with the right dose.
You need to make sure that you start with the right dose of antidepressants.Older patients should be given half the dose that is prescribed for younger adults.Too much of the medication will stay in your body.The effect is usually caused by the fact that elderly patients have slower metabolisms.
Step 8: You should increase your dose.
The lower dose you start taking is not what you should be taking.If you want to treat your depression, you have to gradually increase your dose.The dose will be slightly increased a week or two after you start taking the medication.This will continue until you reach the recommended dose.It is possible that you need a dose higher than normal to help with your depression.
Step 9: There are side effects.
You should see your doctor every now and then if you have picked the right medication.This will help you keep track of any side effects, monitor any new conditions that may arise, and keep a check on your depression.Make sure your doctor looks for depression when he or she sees you.Emergence of an anxiety disorder.There is a risk of suicide during early treatment.
Step 10: You should check your levels.
You need to have your levels checked one month after you start taking them.Hyponatremia is a condition in which your blood sodium level is low.If you have been prescribed SSRIs or if your dosage has changed, make sure your doctor checks your sodium levels when you go in for a checkup.If you are on other medications that can cause hyponatremia, this is necessary.
Step 11: There are side effects from tricyclic antidepressants.
If your doctor places you on tricyclic antidepressants, you should keep an eye out for side effects.Even if you have a low dose of the medication, you are at an increased risk of blood toxicity.If you slowly metabolize medication, this is problematic.Before you start taking them or if your dosage is increased, you should have your blood pressure checked.SSRI's are the first line of treatment for depression.If you can, try to avoid them.The risk for cardiac toxicity is one of the side effects of TCA's.
Step 12: You can learn about treatment resistance.
An elderly adult may need to have their dose adjusted.The low dose that most antidepressants are started at with elderly adults may not give them the therapeutic effect needed from the antidepressants.Ask your doctor about a possible change in dosage if you find that you or a loved one is not receiving the right help from the medication.
Step 13: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used.
If you find that you're resistant to the medication, you may want to consider rTMS.Magnetic fields are used to treat brain nerve cells.After an average of 10 sessions, it is proven to help reduce depression in elderly patients.Only a doctor can do this treatment.If this treatment is right for you, ask your doctor.
Step 14: Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat depression.It helps you change your thoughts into more positive ones.This may be a treatment option that can be used in conjunction with medication to help relieve symptoms of depression.You will have the help of a therapist.Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist that works on depression.There should be more than one approach to treatment for depression.
Step 15: ECT is a type of therapy.
It's a controversial treatment for depression in elderly adults.It has been shown to have side effects, such as memory loss.If other options have failed to help you with your depression, this should be considered as a treatment.It has been shown that ECT reduces major depression symptoms in 70% to 90% of patients.ECT can provide good results, but should only be used in the most severe patients.This treatment is expensive and requires hospitalization, so it should be considered a last resort.