Depression medication

Research suggests that depression is likely caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Although it can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders, depression is thought to be more likely in people with a history of trauma or stressful events and in those with a personal or family history of mental health problems.

Primary care providers are trained to see the big picture. They can identify when your mental health is affecting your physical health and vice versa. For example, things like low libido, digestive problems, and headaches can be made worse by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Amazon One Medical’s team of primary care providers are specially trained to deliver excellent, comprehensive care for a range of mental health conditions.

Depression is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms. During your visit, your provider will ask some questions about how you’ve been feeling lately and how changes in your mood have impacted your everyday life. They’ll also ask questions about your health history, including medications you take regularly, alcohol or drug use, and any other medical or mental health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with. Additional testing is generally not needed but sometimes may be considered to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.

A healthcare provider will determine if you need prescription medication to treat your symptoms of depression. If your care plan includes a prescription, you'll be asked to select a pharmacy. You can send it to your preferred pharmacy or select Amazon Pharmacy to get your medications delivered right to your door.

In general, combining antidepressant medication with therapy is more effective than either alone, and therapy can also help you find ways to cope while waiting for your medication to start working. Amazon One Medical has a referral network of therapists and psychiatrists whom we know and trust that we can connect you to. And we’ll be there with you every step of the way.

It depends. Everyone is different, and the length of time you might need to take medication can vary. Some people take antidepressants for a few months, while others might need them for a few years. It depends on how you feel and how your body responds to the treatment. Your provider will check in on you routinely and partner with you to decide if and when it may be safest to try managing your symptoms without medication. It’s important to remember to talk with your provider before stopping any antidepressant medication.

If you’re pregnant or planning for pregnancy, let your provider know. Treating depression during pregnancy is important for both the parent’s and baby’s health. Your provider will partner with you to determine which treatment is best for you and safest for your pregnancy.

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or feel that life is too hard to keep living, or you’re in crisis and need to speak with someone immediately, help is available! Go to your nearest emergency room or call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor by texting HOME to 741741. These services provide free, confidential crisis counseling 24/7. In less urgent situations, your healthcare provider can help you create a suicide safety plan that you can lean on when things get tough.