Overview Of Antidepressants

Uncommon Uses

While antidepressants are most commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, doctors may use them 'off-label' to treat other mental health conditions on a case-by-case basis. For example, SSRIs and SNRIs may be used to treat some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Antidepressants could be considered in the treatment of physical health conditions as well. Tricyclic antidepressants help reduce chronic pain for some patients, and they might be prescribed for fibromyalgia patients as well. Doctors could consider prescribing either SSRIs or SNRIs for patients coping with menopausal symptoms and chronic pain caused by neuropathy too. Since these uses are 'off-label,' patients may want to ask their physician if other treatments could be tried before an antidepressant is prescribed. Patients who use antidepressants for chronic pain might wish to consult with a counselor, and they should always let their healthcare provider know if their pain intensifies, moves, or changes in any way.

Keep reading to learn about side effects to watch for now.