Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in West Caldwell, NJ
Now In Network with BCBS of NJ
973-453-0808

All Calls Are Confidential

West Caldwell
973-453-0808
How to know if your antidepressant is working banner for The Counseling Center at West Caldwell

How To Know If Your Antidepressant Is Not Working Near West Caldwell

June 07, 2024

Taking an antidepressant is usually a necessary aspect of treatment if you are dealing with a depression disorder. Antidepressants might mitigate depression symptoms and help you live just as you want. But what if you still endure debilitating depression symptoms in spite of taking the medicine?

Sadly, discovering the most effective antidepressant for you can be a matter of trial and error. Not every antidepressant is right for every patient. But you don’t need to give up on overcoming depression if your medicine hasn’t helped. Here’s how you can tell if your antidepressant is not working anymore near West Caldwell and some new treatments that could prove beneficial.

Signals That Your Antidepressant Isn’t Working As It Should

You know it may take a little time for an antidepressant to improve your symptoms, and you might still have some off days. Even so, you could be taking your medication as instructed, and your symptoms of depression might be just as intense. Is the medication not working, or are your expectations merely too high?

To help you decide if you should give thought to trying a different medication, check out these indications that your antidepressant is not working anymore near West Caldwell.

Your Depression Hasn’t Improved Enough Or You’ve Experienced No Difference

Your physician likely informed you that it might take awhile before the antidepressant helps you. You must also take your antidepressant as prescribed. But if you haven’t noticed any improvement in symptoms after three months of taking your prescription, it probably isn’t the right choice for you.

You Endure An Onset Of Undesirable Side Effects

It’s expected to have some side effects when taking antidepressants. Some could be tolerable or subside after your medication is tweaked. But if your prescription’s side effects are disrupting your life or causing you to feel out of sorts, your antidepressant isn’t doing its job. After all, it’s designed to improve your life!

Your Medication Effects Didn’t Last

Did you feel better on your antidepressant at first, but that positive change swiftly went away? Doctors caution that it’s reasonable to experience a placebo effect when beginning an antidepressant. Usually, antidepressants take hold after several weeks. If you felt something as soon as you began your medication, it could have been from the expectation that the medication would help.

You may also have cultivated a tolerance for the antidepressant. If it worked well for quite some time but suddenly stopped, you might need a bigger or altered dose.

What You Can Do If Antidepressants Aren’t Working In West Caldwell

If you detect any of these indications that your antidepressants aren't working near West Caldwell, request an appointment with your psychiatrist or doctor immediately. They can collaborate with you to modify your prescription or dose. They might also propose lifestyle adjustments and regular therapy in conjunction with medication.

What if you’ve tried several antidepressants without any benefit? Treatment-resistant depression is a legitimate problem, and you are deserving of help. If you’ve attempted a minimum of three distinct antidepressants without any reduction of depression symptoms, consult with your medical team about the new medications available for treatment-resistant depression and if you’re a viable candidate.

Antidepressants Not Working Near West Caldwell? The Counseling Center Is Ready To Help

If you’re having difficulty managing your depression, The Counseling Center at West Caldwell is here to help. We provide professional mental health treatment for adults and adolescents. Call us at 973-453-0808 or complete the following contact form, and we’ll arrange your initial appointment.