Six things you should know if you are taking medication for depression:

1. It takes time for medication to work. While you may notice some effects from the medication right away, you may not get the maximum benefit of taking the medication for as long as 4 to 8 weeks. Because it takes time to work It is important to take antidepressants regularly and get the prescription refilled promptly.

2. Side effects usually diminish over time but need to be reported to your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what side effects you might experience. Although some side effects may be bothersome, they are usually temporary and go away within the first 8 weeks of therapy. Common side effects include: Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea. Anxiety or irritability. Problems sleeping or drowsiness. Loss of sexual desire or ability. Headaches or dizziness If your doctor feels that you are having too many side effects from the kind of medication you were prescribed, he or she may try something different.

3. When you are on antidepressant medications, you should be seen on a follow- up basis by your doctor, physician assistant or mental health practitioner. The health care provider who prescribed the medication should see you once a month for three months to track your progress and make sure that the medication is working for you. Many people benefit from seeing a therapist at the same time they are taking medication. If you think that therapy may help you recover sooner or help to prevent another episode of depression, call the Behavioral Health Access Center in New York: 1-800-568-0458 or PrimariLink in Vermont: 1-800-320-5895.

4. Not every medication may work for you. One of the reasons that follow-up appointments are important, is that one kind of medication might work better for you than another. Your provider may change the dosage of what you are taking or try a different medication. Be sure your doctor and pharmacist know about all of the other medications you are taking because some may interact with some kinds of antidepressant medications.

5. You should never abruptly quit taking an antidepressant medication. Most people are prescribed an antidepressant for at least six months, sometimes longer. When you and your provider decide that you no longer need an antidepressant, the medication should be tapered off slowly. Abruptly stopping can trigger an acute episode of depression.

6. You should never share medications with another person If you have a friend or relative who is having a hard time coping with a problem and seems to be depressed, dont share your medication. Remember that antidepressants take some time to work. Urge your friend or relative to see his or her own provider.