What To Do When Antidepressants Don't Work

For many suffering from depression, antidepressants have been a mainstay of treatment for years. But if you're finding that your antidepressants aren't working anymore, at all, or enough, you're not alone.

Studies show that up to 30% of people with major depression aren't helped by medication and are looking for something more than the standard protocol.

If this sounds like you or someone you love, here are a few steps you can take to determine if it's time to try something more than medication for depression.

How Can I Tell If My Antidepressants Are Working? 

It can be challenging to tell if antidepressants are working or not. Some people may feel an immediate improvement, while others may not notice a difference for several weeks. If you are beginning a new treatment, give it time to work.

Your medication might be making a difference if you…

• Feel more energy and motivation
• Experience mood improves
• Can concentrate better
• Get quality sleep
• Your appetite improves
• You start to enjoy activities again that you lost interest in

Talk to your doctor.

Struggling with the effects of antidepressant medication or feeling like it just isn't working?

It's important to be honest with your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing and how your medication makes you feel. The more information they have, the easier it will be for them to ensure you're getting the most effective treatment. This could mean adjusting the dosage of your current medication or suggesting a new antidepressant. 

No matter what, you should give any new medication time to work before deciding whether it's effective – the same goes for therapy!

Continue seeking support.

Depression is a serious condition that can be difficult to manage on your own. But with the proper support, you can overcome it.

Not only can your doctor advise you on what to do if your antidepressant medication isn't working, but they can also talk to you about additional measures such as therapy, counseling, alternative medications, and lifestyle changes.

But also note that your primary care physician isn't your only resource in your battle with depression – there are countless resources ranging from books to support groups to help you cope.

Finally, never underestimate the value of staying connected with loved ones who will listen and validate your emotions.

Explore TMS Therapy and Spravato.

No two people are alike and the same is true when it comes to treating depression. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. If medication and therapy didn’t work or are causing unwanted side effects, know that there are options for relief.

One such treatment is TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain impacted by depression. TMS Therapy is an effective option for people who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.

Another treatment option is Spravato (esketamine), the first FDA-approved nasal spray medication, taken with an oral antidepressant, for treatment-resistant depression in adults. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to months to work, Spravato has helped some patients experience relief within hours to days. There hasn’t been a class of drug that works so quickly and effectively for treating complex cases of depression.

When Antidepressants Don't Work, We're Here to Help You Find What Does.

If you're ready to explore alternative treatments that could help with depression, 2nd Chance is here. Our team can walk you through the available options - like TMS Therapy and Spravato - so together, we can find what works best for you. Call us today!