If you think your antidepressant isnt helping, talk to your provider.
You might just need a dose adjustment or a different jot down of medication.
They diagnosed you with depression and had you start taking Prozac, and you started feeling better.
Verywell / Bailey Mariner
Its possible for an antidepressant to stop working.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Why Do Antidepressants Stop Working?
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
In general, though, here are a few of the most common reasons why antidepressants lose effectiveness.
Your other meds can also cause side effects that could make it seem like your antidepressant isnt helping.
For example, lets say you have inflammation and your doctor prescribes a course of steroids like prednisone.
In some cases, these interactions are actually dangerous.
Storing your medication properly helps prevent it from breaking down and losing its effectiveness.
With eitheroops, the extreme temps could have affected your pills.
Check the package insert that comes with your meds or ask your pharmacist about how to store them.
Youre Using Substances
People with mental health conditions like depression may also use substances likenicotineandalcohol.
If alcohol and antidepressants are combined, your liver may not be able to process toxins as it should.
If the toxins build up in your body, the effects can even be fatal.
If you are using alcohol, nicotine, or any illicit substance, be honest with your healthcare provider.
They need this info to keep you safe when prescribing medications and recommending treatments that can help you.
Underlying health conditions can also make depression harder to treat.
If youre pregnant or trying to get pregnant, talk to your provider about your depression treatment plan.
Some antidepressants are safer to take than others during pregnancy.
Youre Under More Stress
Work pressure?
Big changes in your daily life like a move or a new job?
Any new or increased stress can alter your brain chemistry enough to counteract the effects of your antidepressant.
You may have breakthrough symptoms of depression during these times and need more support.
Your provider can also review your antidepressant routine with you and see if you need an adjustment.
For example, your digestive system gets slower with age which can delay the action of a medication.
Your liver can also have a harder time breaking down medications as you get older.
Sometimes, age-related changes to antidepressants are actually related more to the other age-related changes youre going through.
If you experiencemaniaorhypomania, tell your doctor.
Its possible that you were misdiagnosed withmajor depressive disorderwhen you actually have bipolar disorder.
Studies suggest that around 25% of people taking an SSRI will notice a decrease in effectiveness over time.
If you’re having a depression relapse, it’s likely that your medication is no longer effective.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
The most important thing to remember?
If your antidepressant isn’t working well anymore, it doesnt mean it’s your fault.
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