Starting treatment is an important step for a person with depression. Whether it’s medication, therapy, or both. Treatment can raise a number of questions for everyone involved.
How soon will my friend or family member start to feel better?
Most antidepressants take several weeks to produce their full effect. In some cases, the dose of medication may need to be increased, a different drug may be added, or the first drug may be replaced with another.
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Will the first medication prescribed help control my friend or family member’s depressive symptoms?
Not necessarily. Sometimes patients will not be successful on the first medication they try.
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How long will my friend or family member have to be on their medication?
Many people with depression need to be treated for several months. Only your friend or family member’s doctor can determine the appropriate length of treatment.
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Will my friend or family member experience side effects while taking their medication?
Medications do have the potential to cause side effects. Discussing with a doctor and/or pharmacist the potential side effects of the medication will help you understand what to expect when they begin treatment. It’s also important to inform the doctor or pharmacist when side effects do occur. They may be able to offer some tips on how to manage them.
