FAQ - Medication 

What is the best medication for me to take ?
Are tranquillisers addictive? 
Can you experience withdrawal effects from antidepressants?
Is it safe to take medication during pregnancy?
Do antidepressants cause weight gain?
Can antidepressants cause a loss of libido / sex drive?
Are herbal medications effective for panic / anxiety?
Can I use cold and flu tablets while taking antidepressants?

What is the best medication for me to take?

We don't make specific recommendations about medication. Everyone is individual and what works for one person may not work for another. Can you discuss this with your doctor ?

Are Tranquillisers addictive?

In Australia the guidelines for the prescribing of any of the tranquillisers is for 2 - 4 weeks only. Tranquillisers can be addictive and some people may become addicted within four weeks. With ' short acting' tranquillisers, if people do become addicted to them, they may then experience withdrawal symptoms every 4 to 6 hours. Withdrawal includes anxiety and panic. The Australian Federal government recommends people who are taking one of the short acting tranquillisers transfer over to the equivalent dose of valium and once stabilised slowly withdraw the valium. Valium is a longer acting tranquilliser and can prevent any 4 - 6 hour withdrawal. 

It is important NOT to stop taking tranquillisers. This can be very dangerous. You will need to speak with your doctor and slowly withdraw from your medication under medical supervision. This also applies to any transfer and withdrawal from valium.

Can you experience withdrawal effects from antidepressants? 

Yes, some people can. The clinical literature shows that withdrawal effects can occur when stopping antidepressants, including those belonging to the SSRI group. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for anxiety disorders. It is recommended in the literature, that people withdraw very slowly from their antidepressant under medical supervision. 

It is also very important not to miss taking your anti depressant at your regular time. People who are using one of the shorter acting antidepressants may experience withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours. 

Is it safe to take medication during pregnancy?

You do need to speak with your doctor about this as there are a number of anti anxiety medications that cannot be used when you are pregnant. Your doctor will advise you further.

Do antidepressants cause weight gain?

Yes they can. Speak with your prescribing doctor about this, as they may consider changing your medication if you continue to gain weight.

Can antidepressants cause a loss of libido / sex drive?

This is quite a common side effect. Discuss this with your prescribing doctor as they may want to review your medication.

Are herbal medications effective for panic / anxiety?

It is very individual. Some people find them effective. Other people don't. If you are considering using herbal medication, and you are taking prescribed medication such as an anti depressant or another anti anxiety drug or other prescribed medication, you will need to talk with your doctor before using any herbal preparation. There can be adverse effects if you use both prescribed and herbal medication together.

Can I use cold and flu tablets while taking antidepressants?

No ! There should be a warning label about this on the packet of your antidepressants and also on the packet of the cold and flu tablets. If you want further information about this, speak with your doctor.