Antidepressants are usually taken as a tablet. How often you take them depends on your condition and how serious it is.
Your doctor will select the lowest dose of antidepressant they think will improve your symptoms.
This helps to reduce the risk of side effects. If this dose does not work, it can be increased gradually.
How long it takes to work
It can take 1 to 2 weeks before you begin to notice the effects of antidepressants.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your doctor if:
- you take antidepressants for 4 weeks without feeling any benefit
They may recommend increasing your dose or trying a different medicine.
How long treatment lasts for
A course of antidepressants usually lasts for at least 6 months. This is to help prevent your condition from coming back when you stop.
If you've had depression in the past, your doctor may recommend that you take antidepressants for 2 years. If your condition comes back, you may need to keep taking the medicine for life.
If your illness is serious and the medicine works well for you, your treatment should continue.
Your doctor may stop your medicine if:
- your illness is mild
- the medicine does not help your symptoms
- the medicine causes side effects
If you forget to take your antidepressant
It's important not to miss any of your doses. This could make your treatment less effective.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember - unless it's almost time to take your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
If you take too much
Emergency action required: Contact your GP or go to an emergency department (ED) immediately if:
- you take more antidepressant tablets than prescribed
Many EDs have specialist mental health nurses. They can assess your mental health needs.
Do not drive to the emergency department. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the medicine packet or leaflet and any remaining medicine with you.
Stopping antidepressants
Talk to your doctor before you stop taking antidepressants.
Stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- stomach upset
- flu-like symptoms
- anxiety
- dizziness
- sensations in your body that feel like electric shocks
- seizures (fits)
If you stop taking the medicine 3 to 4 weeks after starting, they may not have had a chance to work.
Coming off antidepressants before the full course ends can cause your condition to return.
If your doctor decides to stop your medicine, they'll reduce the dose over a few weeks.