Is there an anti-depressant drug that you can take only when needed?

Question

I have been dealing with mild on-and-off depression for as long as i can remember. i usually get short (1-2 hour) bouts of depression once to twice a month, which is not bad, and decently easy to deal with. But recently, it hasnt gone away. i've been feeling depressed near alll day for about a month now. I'm pretty sure it just has something to do with the stressload on me right now. I believe it will eventually go away, but i'd like to have something that would alleviate me from the depression until it goes away, and something i could use whenever i have my random bouts with depression that i normally have had in the past. i dont want to be on a 24/7 drug if i dont need it and basically the gist of the question is this.

Is there an anti-depressant on the market that i would be able to use only as i needed it? as opposed to Zoloft or something where you have to take it every day.

Answer 1

If you don't need it for more than like a couple days you shouldn't be on one. chances are if you have reoccuring depression then you prob need to stay on an antidepressant until you stop having symptoms. They take weeks to even kick into your system and unfortunately there is no such thing as a fast acting anti-depressant, so i'd have to say no. Medicine isn't the only treatment therapy works wonders for most people. however, There are drugs like ativin and nardil which are used for anxiety and panic attacks that are taken on as needed basis due to their high risk of being addictive. Speak with a pyschiatrist to make sure you even have unipolar disorder and it's not just seasonal or a mood shift and they knoiw way more about medicine and whats on the market to be able to assist you with this question.

Answer 2

No, antidepressants don't work that way. It takes a while for the drugs to reach a therapeutic (effective) level.
If you've dealt with depression for a long time, you should have the tools available to battle it whether it by CBT, DBT, or others. Put them to use.... enjoy the freedom of being medication free.

Also, if you're stressed, consider an anti-anxiety med. These are great for intermittent short-term problems; and can be used as=needed....

Answer 3

You may have something called Dysthymia. http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/dysthymia.asp)

A doctor would not prescribe a medication that you can take only on specific days. Drug formulas and the human metabolism don't work that way. Please be advised that medication may not be needed and isn't always safe.*

Definately see a therapist and consider some alternative treatments in place of medication. Alternative treatments may include but are not limited to: talk therapy, yoga, meditation, excercise, behavioral therapy, and herbal remedies.

Answer 4

Yes there are alot you just need to see a doctor to get them. Its not a big deal though, just tell them how you feel and that you just need something once in awhile