Medications Used in Depression Treatment and Treatment Duration

Antidepressant treatment is started according to the patient's current psychiatric disorder, the level of impact on their daily life, their needs, and any other illnesses and medications they use.

The antidepressant effect of the drug begins to appear in a period of 3-4 weeks. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness are quite common side effects in the first days of treatment and do not require stopping the treatment, and these symptoms are expected to disappear within 1-2 weeks.

Adherence to treatment and the recommended dose and duration of the drug used regular use is very important for the onset of treatment effectiveness.

During the control examination, the patient's current complaints and any new complaints are reviewed and the necessary dosage adjustment is made.

The frequency of visits may vary depending on the patient's condition and needs.

In the treatment of depression, it is recommended that the drug dose that the patient benefits from be continued for 9 months to 1 year, depending on the patient's condition.

Drug The discontinuation of the treatment is planned by considering whether the patient has ongoing complaints or whether there is a new negative life event.

Since sudden discontinuation of the drugs used can cause withdrawal symptoms, the termination of the treatment should definitely be under the supervision and recommendation of a psychiatrist, as it is when starting the drug.