Depression Medication Part II: What You Can Expect  

In order to make the most of the treatment you receive, there are some things you should know. Like what part you play in getting better, and what you should expect from your health care provider and from the depression medication that is prescribed.

Here is some information to help you save time and money as you seek and take part in your treatment for depression.

Duration of treatment with medication:

• A single episode of depression may respond to a brief course of treatment with depression medication. Generally, the recommendation is nine to twelve months after all symptoms are resolved. If the depression is the result of an acute situation, this may be all that is needed.

• Many depressed and anxious people may need medication for an indefinite period. This is the case when the depression is recurrent, when a chronic mild depression is complicated by episodes of severe depression, when there is a strong family history for depression, or when the stressful situation is not expected to end.

• In the case of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), medication can be taken seven to ten days out of each month, usually prior to the beginning of the menstrual period. This is often enough to eliminate symptoms that only occur episodically.

Limitations of treatment with depression medication

• It doesn't cure depression, and work best in combination with supportive therapies. However, medications can improve function even in the presence of mental pain and difficulty coping.

• All medications have potential side effects, and every person has a unique response to any given drug. Often it takes several tries to get just the right medication or combination of medications.

• Cost is a very real issue. While some of the newer patented brand name medications may be more effective than earlier versions, they are frequently too expensive for clients to afford. There is little benefit to any drug that the client is not taking.

• The stigma of taking antidepressants can prevent some people from accepting this form of treatment. Insurance companies discriminate against persons who are treating their depression.

How depression medication usually works:

• Most depression medications take a couple of weeks at therapeutic dose to provide relief from symptoms. Occasionally, you will notice changes in the first few days. This usually is due to side effects rather than 'therapeutic' effects. Anxiety can be reduced and panic attacks relieved before you notice a lifting of the depression.

• Starting at a low dose and increasing slowly limits the occurrence and intensity of side effects. This takes more patience on your part.

• If, at any time, you feel an increase in irritability, or thoughts of suicide, be sure to let your prescriber know. This is not a normal response to depression medication and requires urgent attention.

• Many side effects are short term and go away after a few days. Symptoms like nausea can be decreased by taking your depression medication after a meal. Check with your prescriber or pharmacist to make sure that the medicine's effect won't be altered.

• Over time, and under supervision from your prescriber, you should gradually feel better and better. It starts with flashes of feeling "normal", getting more and more frequent, and lasting longer.

Making the most of your depression medication: being a responsible client.

• Talk to your prescriber about what to expect and what to do if you have problems

• Take your medication as prescribed, don't stop taking it without talking to your prescriber.

• Be patient, don't expect everything to get better overnight.

• Do your part, eat wisely, exercise in moderation and get enough rest and recreation.

• Report your progress, presence of side effects as agreed, and keep your follow up appointments. Be sure to tell your prescriber if you cannot afford the medicine.

  There are programs that may be able to help provide your medication, or your prescriber may be able to choose a generic drug that will provide a satisfactory result.

Paying attention and planning ahead will maximize the positive effects you will get from depression medication.

About the Author

Karen Grisham is a mental health nurse practitioner, maintaining a private practice since 1996. She has authored books on grief and suicide bereavement. She is owner of Comfort Your Heart, your online source for accurate and timely mental health information, suicide facts and support for survivors, and general grief support and encouragement. She is licensed to prescribe medication and uses a variety of therapies effectively for her clients wit