Getting The Best Out Of Your Antidepressant
We can help ourselves get the best out of our antidepressants. Here are ten top tips to guide you.
Ten Top Tips
- Take them every day – not just when you are feeling bad. This is important so they are kept at a helpful level in your system. It will also reduce your side effects.
- Think of ways to help you remember to take them. Get into a routine and take them at a set time each day. Put them somewhere you will see them, like next to your alarm clock or toothbrush. Leave a note to yourself. Set an alarm on your watch or your phone.
- If you do forget, just take them as soon as you remember – unless it has been a few hours after your usual time. If this is the case, wait until your next dose. Don’t try to catch up by doubling your next dose. You may get more side effects.
- Watch what you drink. Alcohol can change how well your antidepressant works. Drinking while on an antidepressant can also make you drowsy and give you a nasty hangover.
- If you are having a bad day, don’t take extra tablets – this won’t help. You can put yourself at risk by taking more than you should. It may also lead to bad side effects and make you feel worse.
- Don’t run out – think ahead. If you have holidays coming up then make sure you have enough tablets to see you through.
- Don’t stop taking them in the first few weeks due to side effects. Use our section on Coping with Side Effects to help you.
- Stay on them for at least six months after you feel better.
- Visit your GP if you feel your tablets aren’t helping.
- Look at other ways to feel good. Tackle problems in your life that may be keeping your low mood or anxiety going.
