Millions of people in the United States alone take antidepressants to help them deal with symptoms caused by a depressive disorder. That number has shown a steady increase in the last few years.
There are many factors that contribute to that rising number. But, one of the reasons why antidepressants are so common is that they work well. If you’ve been on one or more prescription antidepressants for a while, you might notice that you’re feeling better.
Of course, once you do start to feel better, it’s normal to ask yourself how long you’ll have to take antidepressants. Will you have to be on them forever in order to maintain mental wellness, or can you eventually stop?
How Long Does It Take Antidepressants to Work?
Some people might want to get off of antidepressants early because they don’t notice a difference in how they feel. While all prescriptions are different, most antidepressants are designed to work fully in four to eight weeks. You might start to notice a difference earlier than that, but it’s a common mistake to “quit” a medication early because you aren’t getting the results you want as quickly as you want.
If you don’t feel any changes at first, don’t quit. First, it can be dangerous to stop taking an antidepressant without weaning off of it. Second, you might not be giving it the chance it needs to help. Talk to your doctor before giving up, especially if it’s only been a couple of weeks.
Lasting Treatment
How long you’re on antidepressants can depend on a variety of factors. If you have a family history of depression, you’ve had three or more depressive episodes, or you’re dealing with ongoing stress, it’s recommended that you remain on medication for a few years. Remaining consistent will also help if you’re prone to relapsing.
Again, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about which antidepressants are right for you, and to create a plan that meets your needs.
How to Stop
If you do decide to stop taking antidepressants, work with your doctor to gradually reduce your dosage over time. Throughout that time, schedule follow-ups to monitor your physical and mental well-being. Make sure you’re doing things in your day-to-day life to maintain your mental health, including self-care practices.
Depending on the type of medication you’re on, there can be negative side effects when you try to quit — especially if you drop your dosage too quickly. You might experience dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and symptoms of depression returning. Even if you don’t feel like a medication has done much to help your mental state, you’ll certainly notice symptoms when you stop taking it.
How Therapy Can Help
Whether you’re currently on antidepressants or planning on asking your doctor about them, therapy is one of the best ways to complement what medication can do for you.
Most antidepressants work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. But, they aren’t designed to “fix” whatever might be triggering your depression.
Therapy can help you dig deeper to determine what’s causing your depression, to begin with. While that’s not always an easy journey, it’s a necessary one on the path of healing. Therapy can also help you with symptom management as you move forward to eventually overcome your depression.
If you’re interested in learning more about how long you should take antidepressants or you’re wondering which medication is right for you, I can help. Feel free to set up a consultation soon, and we’ll cover how a combination of medication and depression therapy could be the best strategy for you to fight back against those feelings of hopelessness.