On average, it takes about ten days for antidepressants to start to work for major depression. The first 1-2 weeks is an adjustment period. At this time side effects will usually occur. The dose may need to be reduced for 3-4 days to allow adaptation to occur. Most side effects are short term and will go away, so patience is needed during this time.
Depression may not respond fully from medication for 6-8 weeks. Occasionally augmentation (adding another medication) may be needed for good response.
It is usually better to treat side effects than to change antidepressants if depression/stress symptoms are responding well. This is especially true for long term side effects.
SIDE EFFECT TREATMENT
• Insomnia – Sonata, Ambien, Trazodone, Remeron
• Drowsiness – Stimulants, Wellbutrin, Provigil,
Phentermine
• Increased Appetite – Phentermine, Wellbutrin, Topamax
• Mood swings – Mood stabilizers
• Nausea – Remeron, Periactin, Zofran, Reglan
• Tremor – Inderal
• Sweating – Clonidine, Tenex, Cardura
• Anxiety/Nervousness – Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Buspar, Keppra, Neurontin
• Libido – Wellbutrin, Stimulants, Ginkgo, Testosterone (if low), DHEA
• Sexual Arousal – Viagra, Trazodone
• Orgasm – Wellbutrin, Yocon
(This article originally appeared on this site 11-16-04 under the category Depression.)
