For someone suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, being prescribed an antidepressant can make them feel like they are getting their life back. The relief they get from the drug can allow them to go about their day in a normal manner, not being a prisoner to their thoughts or feelings that, at times, can be debilitating.
While antidepressants are incredibly effective, a big reason they are so effective is that the dosage is right. The process, to make sure the dosage is right though, isn’t always easy. Since every person responds differently to medication, there is no universal chart that a doctor or treatment professional can turn to when administering a dosage. As a result, it’s often a case of trial and error to find a combination that works.
Because antidepressant dosage is not one-size-fits-all, it’s important to know what to look for when it comes to figuring out if you are taking the right amount or not. Recognizing the signs your antidepressant dose is too low can help you take proactive steps to optimize your treatment, improve your mental health, and make sure you are no longer a prisoner to your symptoms.
In this blog, we will take a look at how antidepressants work, go over some of the common signs to look out for that may indicate that your dosage is too low, and take a look at some alternative treatment options should your antidepressant medication not work properly for you.
How Antidepressants Work
Before we take a deeper look at the dosage of antidepressants, let’s first get a better understanding of how they work.
Antidepressants work by affecting various neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals in the brain play a crucial role in mood regulation, motivation, and emotional stability. Antidepressants typically come in different “classes”, all of which target the neurotransmitters in different ways depending on the condition and symptoms.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft, work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor and Cymbalta also affect norepinephrine levels, which can help boost energy and alertness. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), while less commonly prescribed today, influence multiple neurotransmitters and can be effective for individuals who don’t respond well to newer medications.
Why Proper Antidepressant Dosage Matters
When it comes to medication of any kind, taking the right dose is crucial when it comes to maximizing the effectiveness of the drug. If your dose is too low, you may not experience significant symptom relief, which can lead to frustration and doubts about whether the medication is working. On the other hand, an unnecessarily high dose may cause unwanted side effects.
While for many drugs, finding the dose “sweet spot” is relatively easy, that’s not always the case for antidepressants. As it relates to antidepressants specifically, failing to find the proper dosage can have a negative impact on long-term mental health and treatment success. If your symptoms persist due to an incorrect dose, you may be at risk of discontinuing the medication prematurely or experiencing worsening depression. Additionally, an inadequate dosage might delay your progress in therapy or other treatment methods.
Common Signs Your Antidepressant Dose Is Too Low
It’s important to remember that when starting an antidepressant medication, it may take time to maximize the drug’s effectiveness. While you may hope or even expect to start seeing instant results, sometimes it can take a few weeks to fully “kick in”, and that’s when the dosage is right. If time is needed to adjust the dose than it can take even longer to reach full effectiveness.
Should you still not see the results you are looking for even after a few weeks, it may be a sign that your dose is too low. In the event that your dose is too low, below are some of the common signs to look out for:
One of the most obvious signs that your dose is too low is the continued presence of depressive symptoms. If you still feel sad, hopeless, or disinterested in daily activities despite taking your medication, it could indicate that the dosage is insufficient. In some cases, even when there is mild improvement, you may still notice you are experiencing significant depressive episodes. This could also be a sign that your dose is too low.
While some anxiety is normal and even expected during the initial trial period, persistent anxiety or worsening irritability may suggest that your current dose isn’t adequately addressing your symptoms. If you feel restless, on edge, or more irritable than usual, it may mean you need to make an adjustment.
Fatigue and low motivation are common symptoms of depression. If you still struggle with these issues after several weeks on medication, your dose may not be high enough to provide the boost you need. Additionally, if you find yourself constantly exhausted, unmotivated, or unable to complete basic tasks, these may also be signs that your dosage is off.
Antidepressants can help regulate sleep and appetite. However, if you continue to experience insomnia, excessive sleepiness, or significant changes in appetite, your medication may not be at the right dose.
While we’ve established that most antidepressants can take several weeks to reach peak effectiveness, that doesn’t mean that you won’t slowly start to notice changes either. If, as the days and weeks progress, you continue to notice little or no improvement, it may be another indicator that your dosage is too low. Furthermore, if some of your milder symptoms are being relieved but you still are struggling with your more significant symptoms, that could also be a sign that you need to up your dosage.
While some people experience emotional numbing at high doses, too low of a dose may also result in a lack of emotional engagement. If you find yourself feeling emotionally flat, disconnected, or indifferent, it could mean your medication isn’t working.
When to Speak to Your Doctor About Your Dosage
If you are experiencing any of the signs listed above, then it is important to talk with your doctor, treatment professional, or whoever prescribed you your antidepressants. They may recommend a dosage increase, try a different medication, or even discuss potential alternative treatment options.
As is the case with all prescription medications, keeping your doctor updated on progress, or lack of progress, is crucial to making sure your treatment goes as effectively as possible.
Factors That Can Affect Antidepressant Effectiveness
It’s also important to remember that just because your dosage or treatment may not work the first time around, that doesn’t mean you are “broken” or untreatable. There are several different factors that can affect how well your antidepressants work, such as:
- Metabolism and genetic factors
- Diet and lifestyle habits
- Other medications or supplements
- Underlying health conditions
- Consistency in taking medication
Understanding these factors and relaying them to your doctor can help you both better determine the best course of action.
Adjusting Your Dose: What to Expect
If it is determined that your dosage needs to be increased, it’s important to remain patient while your body adjusts to the new dosage amount. During this adjustment period, you may experience some temporary side effects such as mild nausea, headaches, or changes in sleep patterns. You may also notice an increase in energy or mood changes. This is all normal and nothing to be alarmed about or concerned with.
It’s also important to remember that with an increase in dosage, it may also take longer for you to start seeing results. During this adjustment period, it is important to note any changes you do feel or experience, particularly relating to mood and energy levels and share this information with your doctor or treatment professional. This information can help them track your progress as well as help them determine if further adjustments are needed or if other medications may need to be administered.
Alternative Treatment Options if Your Dose Isn’t Working
If, after multiple attempts, you are still finding that your antidepressants aren’t working, it could mean that an alternative treatment option may be the best course of action.
Some alternative treatment options that your doctor may recommend in this instance include:
- Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Lifestyle changes, including exercise, diet, and stress management
- A combination of different medications
The Importance of Regular Mental Health Check-Ins
Regular follow-ups with your doctor or treatment professional can help track your progress and make necessary adjustments. Keeping an open dialogue with your healthcare provider ensures that your treatment remains effective while also allowing them to monitor your progress and make timely modifications to your treatment plan. This all helps ensure improvement of your overall mental health and well-being.
Learn More About the Signs Your Antidepressant Dose Is Too Low at Laguna Shores
If you’re struggling with your medication dosage or need guidance on mental health treatment, Laguna Shores is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey to mental health recovery.
