Treatment Tips

Antidepressant medications work for many people—they can make you feel better, and can improve or completely relieve your symptoms. But sometimes people have unrealistic fears or expectations about them. Some hope to feel better overnight; others worry that medications will change their personalities in ways they won't like. Both extremes are unlikely. The first step towards getting better and staying better is to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Here are some treatment tips to keep in mind:

It takes time for antidepressants to work. Although you may start to feel better within a couple of weeks, the full antidepressant effect may not be seen for several weeks. It is important to be patient and give the medicine a chance to work.
Once you feel better, it is important to keep taking your antidepressant for as long as your doctor tells you to. Continued use, if recommended by your doctor, can help lower your chances of becoming depressed again in the future.
Although some people only become depressed once, others—especially those who have been depressed before or have several risk factors—may need longer term treatment with medication.
If you want to stop taking your medication, do so ONLY after discussing this with your doctor.

Like many drugs, depression medications can cause side effects and interact with foods or other medications. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and about other medicines you're using. If you experience drug side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Also of Interest

Patients Phyllis and Mark talk about the advice they'd give to a friend or loved one who was just diagnosed with depression.

Create your personal depression treatment plan with your doctor.