How to Know if You Need to Change Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be very effective in treating depression. However, sometimes they don’t work the way you need them to. There are many different antidepressants your doctor can prescribe you. Think about how long you’ve been taking your antidepressant, what the side effects are, the dosage you are taking, and how effective the medication has been. If you think you need a different antidepressant, you should always talk to your doctor before you stop taking your medication.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Antidepressants

1
Decide if the antidepressant is working. You may need to change antidepressants if they are not working. The goal of any antidepressant is to help your symptoms and make you feel better. If the antidepressant isn't working, you may have lingering symptoms or not experience any change in your mood. If this is the case, your doctor will probably want to change your antidepressants.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Some antidepressants take four to six weeks to start working. If by week six you have experienced no improvement, it may not be the right fit for you.
- Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling. For example, if your moods have not improved or you are still experiencing side effects like insomnia, you may need a different antidepressant.
- If you are taking an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), like Zoloft, your doctor may switch you to a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like Cymbalta or Wellbutrin or potentially talk to you about increasing your dose.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Consider the seriousness of the side effects. If you are experiencing severe side effects but seeing no improvements, your doctor will probably want to switch your antidepressants. Even if you are experiencing moderate improvement, you and your doctor should evaluate the side effects to decide if switching medication would be a better option.
- Keep a daily log of your mood so you can assess the effectiveness of your medication.
- For example, you may experience weight gain, nausea, sexual problems, worsening depression symptoms, or change in energy levels.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Mild side effects are side effects that you can live with. They may be uncomfortable, but they don't interfere with your daily life.
- Severe side effects may cause physical symptoms that interfere with your daily life, like nausea that keeps your from work or low energy levels that make it difficult to make it through the day. Severe side effects are ones where you feel you'd rather be depressed than experience the side effects because they're so bad.
Advertisement
3
Notice if you’ve improved with an increased dosage. Your doctor may choose to increase the dosage of your antidepressant if an antidepressant has made mild to moderate improvements, but you’re not quite where you should be. Changing your antidepressant to a higher dosage may help attain better results.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- If you don’t improve with a higher dosage, your doctor will probably change you to a different antidepressant.
4
Refrain from changing because you are worried about suicide or addiction. Some people may want to change or stop their antidepressants because they are scared they will commit suicide or become addicted. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, and in adolescents it may increase the risk of suicide.^{[5]XResearch source} However, most professionals believe the benefits of taking antidepressants outweigh the risks.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Antidepressants aren’t addictive in the same way other substances, like alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drugs, can be. You may end up with a mild physical dependence, which may lead to you experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, following a doctor’s instructions for getting off antidepressants should ease any withdrawal symptoms.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Considering How You’re Taking the Medication

1
Think about how long you have been on the medication. Antidepressant medication won’t work overnight. You may not experience a full reduction of symptoms for months after you start taking it. You should allow plenty of time for the medication to work.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Most antidepressants take six to eight weeks to start working to the point you can see improvements.
- It's important to keep in mind that medication is not a cure. It is used temporarily to alleviate symptoms so that you can pursue therapy. Be sure to address the causes of your depression with your therapist.
2
Determine the kind of change in antidepressants you require. There are different options for you if you need to change your antidepressants. Your doctor may choose to increase the dose of antidepressants, add a second antidepressant, add a different medication, or switch the antidepressant completely.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
- Any change of in your dosage should be discussed with your doctor. You should never increase or decrease your antidepressant without a doctor’s supervision.
3
Decide if you have been taking your medication as directed. If you start missing doses of your medication or stop taking it, your symptoms may return. This can make you think they aren’t working anymore and you need to change. Make sure that you are taking your antidepressants as directed even if your symptoms are better.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Don’t reduce the dosage of the medication without a doctor’s instructions.
- If you believe you don’t need an antidepressant anymore, talk to your doctor about it. If you both decide that you should be taken off antidepressants, then your doctor can instruct you on how to safely stop taking your medication.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Help

You may want to consult a general practitioner for a physical exam in order to rule out any physical causes for your depression including thyroid issues or low Vitamin D.^{[10]XResearch source}
2
See a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can evaluate your mental health and help you find the right kind and dosage of antidepressants. Always speak to your psychiatrist before changing your dosage or medication.^{[11]XExpert SourcePadam Bhatia, MD
Board Certified PsychiatristExpert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
- For example, you may be on the wrong type of antidepressant. You may have a panic, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, which needs a different treatment.
3
Try therapy. Therapy is a powerful treatment for depression, especially if combined with medication. If your medication hasn’t been as helpful as you think it should be, consider going to therapy to augment your medication. Talk, interpersonal, or cognitive behavioral therapy are common treatments for depression.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
- Sometimes, people think they need stronger antidepressants if they are going through a rough patch. If you are on antidepressants but experiencing a tough time, consider therapy to help you get back to your improved state.
Advertisement