Process - Physician - Fraser Health Authority

MORE ABOUT MEDICATIONHere are some additional points about medication:Different medications workfor different people.It can take time to find a medication (or a combinationof medications) that works well for a person withouttoo many side effects. Side effects may include sleepdifficulty, change in appetite and loss of sexual desire.Never stop taking medication suddenly.Some people have unpleasant reactions to discontinuingantidepressant medications. If you wish to stop amedication, consult with your prescribing physician.Usually you will stop in stages by gradually takingless over time.Certain people benefit from takingmedication for a long time.For some people, antidepressant medication continuesto have beneficial effects over the long term. Mostpeople take medication for a while in order to getthe strength to make positive changes, then graduallystop using it.It can be tempting to stop taking amedication as soon as you get thelevel of improvement you want.The result is often a rapid return of the problem. Itis generally best to stay on the medication until yourmood has been steady for a while. Reductions inmedication may then be done gradually while yourmood is monitored.SELF-CARE DEPRESSION PROGRAM17 ANTIDEPRESSANT SKILLS WORKBOOK