Taking Antidepressant Medication
The information provided in this tip sheet is not intended as professional medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about
your medication or your medical or mental health condition, contact your doctor or other health care professional.
This tip sheet explains what to expect from taking antidepressant medications, and when you should contact your physician. It
also provides other general information about your treatment with antidepressant medication. Remember that in addition to
treating depression, antidepressant medication is sometimes used for other conditions such as anxiety and pain.
My Medication: __________________________________________________ Dosage and time to be taken: _____________________________________
Dr's Name: ____________________________ Ofc. Phone: ______________
Date & Time for Follow-up Visits:
#1 _
Office Tel #: _
#3 _
Before You Leave the Doctor's Office:
For your safety, tell your doctor if:
• You are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines (this includes vitamins or herbal remedies).
• You have other health problems.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have any food or medication allergies.
Ask Your Doctor or Nurse:
• To consider prescribing a medication that is covered under your pharmacy benefit to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
• About the antidepressant medication(s) prescribed
1. Name of the medication
2. The dosage
3. The time it is to be taken.
Write this information on your Personal Medication Log. Then, when you pick up your prescription, compare this with the
information on the prescription to make sure they match.
• When you should have a follow-up visit after you start your medication. (Depression guidelines recommend follow-up within
four weeks after beginning medication)~
• How you should expect the medication to affect you and when you can expect improvement. (Generally, depression-related
symptoms do not improve for two to four weeks. This is because the medication works only after it has reached a sufficient
level in your body. This level must be maintained to be effective~ Do not stop the medication without asking your doctor
first. )
• How long you should continue taking this medication. (In many cases, treatment is recommended for at least six to nine
months to reduce the chance of relapse)~
• How you should contact your doctor if there is an emergency, or if you have a question.
• If you miss a dose of the medication, ask your doctor if you should
o Take your next dose as scheduled, o Take the missed pill immediately, o Call your doctor
o Other
starting Your Medication
• Read the Label. If you have questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Take your medication exactly as your doctor has directed.
• Do not stop using your medication unless your doctor tells you to. With certain medications, it is important to gradually
decrease the dose under your doctors supervision to maintain your health.
• Fill out your Personal Medication Log if you experience any effects and before your follow-up visit.