Finding the right antidepressant

Each person reacts differently to a particular antidepressant and may be more likely to have certain side effects. Because of this, one antidepressant may work better for you than another. When choosing an antidepressant, your doctor takes into account your symptoms, any health problems you have, other medications you take and what has worked for you in the past.

Inherited traits play a role in how antidepressants affect you. In some cases, where available, results of special blood tests may offer clues about how your body may respond to a particular antidepressant. However, other variables can affect your response to medication.

It may take several weeks or longer before an antidepressant is fully effective and for initial side effects to ease up. Your doctor may recommend some dose adjustments or different antidepressants, but with patience, you and your doctor can find a medication that works well for you.