Antidepressants are a critical element in depression treatment for thousands of Australians, with many finding they help them manage their mental health conditions and live happy and productive lives. Many people benefit from the effects of antidepressants quite soon after starting and are able to take them comfortably for long periods of time.
However, sometimes antidepressants do not work (at least not immediately). Whether you’re finding that your medication isn’t working, it isn’t working properly, or you’re experiencing antidepressant side effects, identifying and fixing the issue quickly is important to ensure you’re receiving the right treatment.
Common Reasons Your Antidepressants Aren’t Working
It’s not uncommon for antidepressants to not provide a full response when prescribed. Up to a third of people prescribed antidepressants report them not working, or not working to their full effect. There are multiple reasons why this happens, including:
- Incorrect Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
Depression may be misdiagnosed, or the underlying condition (such as bipolar disorder or a medical illness) may not be addressed, leading to poor response.
- Inadequate Dose or Duration
The antidepressant dose may be too low, or the medication may not yet have been taken for a sufficient period to be effective (usually 6-8 weeks).
- Poor Adherence
Missing doses or not taking the medication as prescribed is a frequent cause of treatment failure.
- Drug or Alcohol Use
Use of alcohol or illicit drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of antidepressants and worsen mood symptoms.
- Medication Interactions
Other prescribed or over-the-counter medications can interact with antidepressants, reducing their effectiveness.
- Genetic and Biological Differences
Individual genetic differences can affect how the brain responds to antidepressants, and some people may not respond due to differences in neurotransmitter systems or other biological factors.
How To Tell If Your Antidepressants Are Ineffective
Like all new medications, there is an adjustment period that needs to happen when you first start taking antidepressants. It can take some time for your body to get used to them and for them to start to take effect. However, there are some clear signs that they might not be working:
Your mood or symptoms do not improve
Antidepressants are often prescribed for moderate and severe depression, of which symptoms can be significant and regular. If you don’t notice and considerable reduction in these symptoms after 8 weeks of medication, it might be a sign the medication isn’t working for you.
Your symptoms get worse
This is self-explanatory. If, after taking antidepressants regularly for 8 weeks, you feel worse than before you started (whether physically or mentally), then you need to speak to your doctor to have your medication reviewed.
You experience physical symptoms like fatigue or restlessness
While these can be short-term side effects of starting a new medication, physical symptoms that don’t subside within a couple of weeks can be a sign that your antidepressants aren’t working properly.
You feel emotionally empty or disconnected
Some people who are prescribed antidepressants report feeling a sense of emotional ‘bluntness’ or disconnection. The right antidepressant should minimise negative feelings, but it shouldn’t make you feel nothing.
What To Do When Antidepressants Aren’t Working
If you are experiencing considerable side effects or feel little difference after taking medication consistently for six weeks or more, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. They can review your dosage, change your medication or suggest some other treatment options.
There is not one way how to treat depression, and different medications, therapies (including transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy) and lifestyle changes can all be effective ways to treat and manage mental health conditions.
Your GP can also refer you to an online psychiatrist in Australia, who can provide more in-depth information on treatment options or help find an antidepressant type and dosage that works better for your needs.