Understanding Depression

Depression is a bad mood and lasts for a certain period. When depressed we feel sad prolonged, hopelessness, no motivation to move, lose interest in things that used to be entertaining, and blame themselves.

Everyone has felt sad, but when we are depressed, sad mood that lasts for weeks or even months. This condition will greatly affect the feelings, behaviours, and patterns of thinking.

Many people assume that depression is something trivial and could disappear by itself, when in fact depression is a form of a disease that is more than just a temporary emotional changes. Depression is not a condition that can be changed quickly or directly.

Due to depression, everyday activities such as going to school or work becomes unpleasant. Even to maintain a relationship with another person and the family it was so heavy. Depression can make you feel life is of no use, it can even trigger the patient to commit suicide.

According to the WHO, at least 350 million people suffering from depression in the world. There are still many people with depression who do not admit their condition, so never addressed or at least discussed. Depression is more common in women than in men.

There are nearly one million people worldwide commit suicide due to depression. It is estimated that of the twenty people who intend to commit suicide, one of them ends up dead.

Emergent Symptoms in Patients with Depression
And also influence depression symptoms vary in different people. Here are some of the psychological symptoms that arise as a result of depression:

• Loss of appetite to enjoy the hobby.
• Feeling sad is prolonged.
• Easy to feel anxious.
• Felt life was hopeless.
• Easy to cry.
• Feel so guilty.
• Not confident.
• Being very sensitive or irritable towards those around.
• There is no motivation to do anything.

Physical symptoms of depression:

• Agency always feel tired.
• Disturbances in sleep patterns.
• Feel the pain.
• Not in the mood to have sex.
• Without proper handling and treatment, depression can disrupt relationships with those around you. For severe depression or severe, depression can result in a loss of passion for life and a desire to commit suicide.

When feeling some of the symptoms of depression that last more than a few days, see a doctor immediately so that the recovery process can begin and finish.

Causes of Depression
None of the specific causes of depression. Depression is triggered by a combination of several factors. If in your family health history there are people who suffer from depression, there is a tendency for you to experience it too. Some of the factors that can lead to depression, among others:

Or significant tragic events like the loss of a person or even a job.

• Give birth.
• Financial Problem.
• Socially isolated.
• Childhood trauma.
• Dependence on drugs and / or alcohol.

In addition to the above matters, some medical conditions can also trigger depression in sufferers such as coronary heart disease, an underactive thyroid gland, and as a result of injuries to the head before.

Definition of Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a drug used to treat depression. Drugs that enter into this tricyclic antidepressant group works to increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, so that depressive symptoms gradually decrease.

Besides destined for depression, amitriptyline can also be used to relieve nerve pain and prevent migraines.

Warning:

• For women who are pregnant are advised not to consume amitriptyline, except at the direction of a physician. As for women who are breastfeeding, are not allowed to take this drug.
• This drug should not be used by children who were aged under 16 years.
• Please be careful if you suffer from diabetes, constipation, glaucoma, porphyria, epilepsy, adrenal gland tumors, prostate disorders, liver disorders, mental disorders, and heart problems. In addition, please be careful also if you are diagnosed to have an overactive thyroid gland.
• Taking this drug can cause drowsiness effects. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery during treatment with amitriptyline.
• If an allergic reaction or overdose, see your doctor.

Dose Amitriptyline
For the initial dose of use, amitriptyline usually given at 50-100 mg per day. This dose can be divided into multiple doses or drink well at night. If needed, the doctor may increase the dose up to 150 mg. The dose will be adjusted to the severity of the disease, health condition, and the patient's response to medication.

For people who have aged or elderly, amitriptyline usually given in lower doses, which is about 10-25 mg three times a day. The doctor can increase the dosage gradually if necessary. For seniors intolerant of high doses of amitriptyline maximum dose limit is 50 mg per day.

Consuming Amitriptyline Properly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the packaging amitriptyline before starting to eat.

Amitriptyline can be consumed before or after meals.

Make sure there are enough interval between the doses with subsequent doses. Try to take amitriptyline at the same time each day to maximize its effect.

For patients who forget to take amitriptyline, are advised to drink so remember if the schedule is not too close to the next dose. Do not double the next dose of amitriptyline on schedule to replace the missed dose.

Amitriptyline may make its skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. If you experience it, avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen.

You are advised to abstain from alcohol during treatment with amitriptyline. Alcohol can increase the risk of adverse effects on the users of this drug.

Treatment with amitriptyline usually take place in the long term. Do not stop using this medication or change the dose without first asking your doctor to avoid unwanted side effects.

Amitriptyline efficacy will not be immediately felt when a new use. Positive effect on average just beginning to be felt after 1-2 weeks, while for the maximum benefit can only be seen after 4-6 weeks of use.

While undergoing treatment with amitriptyline, do not forget to keep a regular check-up so that the doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.

Immediately call your doctor if your depression increased after taking this medicine, especially if you are to want to hurt themselves or intend to commit suicide.

Recognize Amitriptyline Side Effects and Hazards
Just like other drugs, amitriptyline also has the potential to cause side effects. There are some side effects that can occur after taking this antidepressant medication.

• Sleepy
• Dizziness when getting out of bed
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Thus understanding Amitriptyline. Hope you can benefit from this article.