I have severe daily headaches, body aches, sneezing, a feeling of internal fever, and overall weakness. My prescribed antidepressants are not working; what medication should I take for these symptoms?

Your symptoms-sneezing, body aches, headaches, feverishness, and weakness?strongly suggest a viral infection like a cold, flu, or COVID-19, rather than depression. Antidepressants are not designed to treat these acute viral symptoms. Please do not stop taking your antidepressants abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal. For temporary relief, you may take over-the-counter acetaminophen for aches and fever. However, avoid decongestants or certain cough medicines without consulting a pharmacist, as they can interact dangerously with antidepressants. Please consult a general practitioner to evaluate your physical symptoms and discuss your antidepressant concerns with your prescribing doctor.

I have been experiencing left-sided headaches during naps and early mornings for the past four years, which have recently worsened and cause nervousness and sleeplessness. Since my current tablets do not provide permanent relief, what medication should I take for a lasting solution?

Chronic, worsening left-sided headaches during sleep or early mornings can point to conditions like migraines, cluster headaches, or sleep-related headache disorders. Because these conditions have different triggers, there is no single medication that provides a permanent cure without a precise diagnosis. Relying solely on pain relievers can actually worsen your symptoms through medication overuse. To find a lasting solution, you should consult a neurologist. They can prescribe daily preventive medications (such as amitriptyline, topiramate, or beta-blockers) to reduce headache frequency and severity, while safely addressing your nervousness and sleeplessness. Please avoid self-medicating.