BASIC PROCESS…

The goal of treatment is to obtain complete relief of depressive symptoms, not just partial relief.

Ø      Most physicians begin antidepressant therapy at a relatively low dosage, and patients who have a hard time adjusting to the antidepressants may be treated with a very low dose.

Ø     The dosage is gradually increased as the patient's tolerance and response to the antidepressant increases.

An effective concentration of the antidepressant in the body must be attained before the patient experiences the desired effect.

Ø     Patients should be open with their doctors about how they feel after they begin taking an antidepressant.

If they feel better after three to six weeks, but their symptoms are still present, the doctor will likely increase the dose of the antidepressant they are taking.

If they cannot tolerate a higher dose, the doctor will likely switch to another antidepressant. 

Ø     If symptoms are no better or worse after three or four weeks, the doctor will most likely suggest a different antidepressant. 

Ø     Some people notice improvement in the first couple of weeks; but usually the antidepressant must be taken regularly for at least 6 weeks and, in some cases, as many as 8 weeks before the full therapeutic effect occurs.