Taking antidepressants wisely

Why is it important to take antidepressants as prescribed?

Antidepressants are very good at treating depression. Keep the following in mind when you take antidepressants:

• If you take your medicine as prescribed and give it time to work, you may begin to feel much better.
• If you don't take your medicine as prescribed, it is less likely to help you.
• If you don't keep taking it for at least 6 months after you feel better, it is more likely that depression will return. At least half of people with depression have a relapse.

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1. Antidepressants work best when you take them exactly as prescribed.

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Author:	Merrill Hayden	Last Updated: October 29, 2007
Medical Review:	Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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