If you have been feeling depressed or suffering with low mood, you may have considered getting antidepressants online. Here we look at when antidepressants may be suitable, and whether you can buy antidepressants online safely.

Feeling depressed

Many people consider turn to buying antidepressants online because they feel they cannot visit their doctor. However, in the same way that you would visit a doctor with a physical illness, such as tonsillitis, you can visit a GP for mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.

There are a number of different approaches to take if you feel depressed. Your GP can recommend and signpost these. You may want to consider things such as talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness. Alternatively, you may want to try lifestyle changes, such as increasing your time outdoors in nature, improving social connections and exercising – all things which are reported to help.

However, antidepressants have their place in managing depression. Indeed, many antidepressants (such as sertraline, which you can buy online at International Pharmacy) have exceptional results. A doctor is best placed to advise which treatment is best for your individual circumstances and it’s important to only use antidepressants with a prescription.

Antidepressants can be used for a short period, such as six months, to enable you to get back to where you want to be, or can be used long term to manage depression or anxiety. Depression is a personal condition – for some you need to get to the root of the problem to alleviate the low feeling, whereas for others, it’s largely down to brain chemistry. Antidepressants can be used alongside talking therapy, and indeed may help you access talking therapy, so that you can improve your wellbeing.

Depression can be extremely debilitating. Always seek help at the first signs of depression and remember that medication should not be stigmatized. 

How antidepressants work

There are several different types of antidepressant and even more brand names. This can make it very difficult to understand which will suit you best.

Generally speaking, antidepressants affect neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. Antidepressants aren’t just prescribed for depression. Different types of antidepressants that you can buy online once prescribed by your GP include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

These enable serotonin to work for longer in your brain and are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. Sertraline and Fluoxetine are both SSRIs.

Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs also affect noradrenaline, central to your fight or flight response.

Duloxetine is an SNRI.

Tricyclics

Tricyclics are similar to SNRIs, but they also affect other chemical processes. They typically have more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Less commonly used these days; these antidepressants must be prescribed by a psychiatrist. They can have troublesome interaction with other medications and even foods.

Antidepressants are also used successfully for other conditions including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and chronic pain.

Antidepressants typically take a couple of weeks to work. They can sometimes make you feel worse before you feel better so it’s always important to start taking antidepressants under the supervision of a medical professional.

Antidepressant side effects

Most antidepressants have relatively tolerable side effects, the worst of which also usually subside within a few weeks. However, if you experience side effects which don’t ease or which are intolerable, you should speak to your GP about the possibility of changing to a different antidepressant.

The most common side effects with SSRIs and SNRIs in the early weeks include headaches, drowsiness, nausea and digestive concerns. You may also experience sleep changes and difficulties, increased feelings of anxiety or agitation, dizziness and reduced libido.

Be aware of the rare side effect when starting antidepressants of increased suicidality and thoughts of self-harm. If you experience these side effects, seek medical support immediately.

How to get antidepressants online and elsewhere

It is important to see a doctor for a prescription for antidepressants. They can work out the best treatment plan in your individual circumstances and also provide support as you begin taking antidepressants.

If you choose to buy your antidepressants online then make sure you do this through a reputable source, such as International Pharmacy. This way you can be sure that the medications you buy are sourced directly from the manufacturer and they come with guidance in the accompanying patient information leaflet. Your doctor will advise you how to take antidepressants, including how to start and how to increase or decrease your dose.

Don’t stop taking antidepressants without the advice of a doctor.

If you would like to buy your antidepressants online, use the search function on the right.

Please remember that information provided by International Pharmacy is general guidance and doesn’t constitute medical advice. If you need a prescription for antidepressants, or need advice

about managing your mental health, please speak to your healthcare provider.