How Well Do They Work?
The first antidepressant used will work for about half the people who take them. We don’t know yet why some antidepressants work for some people and not others.
The different types seem to work as well as each other, but some have more side effects.
When deciding which one might be best for you, your GP will keep in mind:
- What your problems are
- Whether you have had an antidepressant before, and if it helped
- What other medicines you are on
- What health problems you have
- The way you are feeling: Some antidepressants work best for people feeling tense and agitated. These ones will help you slow down to a normal level. Others work best when you feel flat and drained. These ones can help give you more energy.
Antidepressants can take 2-4 weeks to work. It can be a few more until you get the full effect. This may be longer for anxiety. If you are over 65, it might also take a bit more time for your antidepressant to work.
If your antidepressant still isn’t helping after 4-6 weeks, your GP might change your dose. Or they might suggest a new one.
Sometimes people find one type of antidepressant doesn’t work for them, but another does. There may be a bit of trial and error. You might have to switch before you find the one that is best for you.
