Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
How long does a person need to be on antidepressants? is it a lifelong commitment?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Sometimes for life: The general rule is staying on antidepressants for 9 months-1 year for first depressive episode, with attempt to taper at that point. About 50% of these people will have a second episode, and need treatment again. If you've had 3 clear episodes of depression, most psychiatrists would suggest staying on antidepressants preventively -- meaning for life.
Answered 12/21/2013
4.7k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
Why would a person be resistant to almost everything? ADHD medications, antidepressants, caffeine, immunosuppresants. Nothing has any effect on me.
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I've had some depression lately and normally i'm quite a happy person. It got so bad that I had thoughts of suicide. Should I take antidepressants?
15 doctors weighed in across 5 answers
A member asked:
Can a person misdiagnosed present manic episodes with antidepressants and never had one before the treatment?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
When taking an ssri antidepressant (citalopram), could mania-like symptoms be seen in a person who is not bipolar? What else could cause this?
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Which antidepressants are suitable for a person with severe dry eyes n general anxiety disorder? Tried a number. Can't find the right one.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Is it possible to have withdrawals from an antidepressant, even if it is no longer working?
How long does it take for antidepressants to fully kick in? And does it take longer the second time using them after a few months?
Belly no longer stays taut when relaxed. From sleep deprivation or discontinuation from antipsychotics, antidepressants. Is it something deal with now?
What's the best 'first time' mild antidepressant for someone who's been depressed for over 4 years? How much mg day is recommended for 110lbs person?
For what reasons tranquilizer and antidepressant can make a person get addicted to it?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
