This is probably a bit basic, but if you switch to a new med, I would try assuming that it will work.
In my case, I had the opportunity to try one medication and dosage. (I won't get into it further) I was also told that AD's take 6-8 wks to work. In any case, I'm finding an improvement. Whether that's due to actual chemistry, the placebo effect, or that I started the med and this prgm the same day.. I'll take it!
I'm not sure I have anything to add to the great insight and advice already provided to you by the members. Have you talked to your doctor about the lack of effect in the last couple of weeks? You really should be feeling better by now. Maybe another change is needed. Are you doing the program as well?
Yes, I too determine whether or not to stay on a medication by weighing effectiveness vs. side-effects. Unfortunately it tends to be a choice between the lesser of two evils, having gone through so many unsuccessful trials with practically every possible medication or supplement available, and often dealing with the worst of the side-effects (the medication sensitivity thing).
Doing research is also SOP for me before making a decision, though not right for some since just knowing the details can influence a person's response to a medication.
But regardless of what approach works for you, I think having a trusting relationship with your health care provider that's based on two-way communication is especially important for all the reasons that we've discussed.
Sweets, I don't have anything to add to what Flint said. Pretty concise and to the point and same as my experience.
I would like to add or reiterate what he said about a psychiatrist, they are trained specifically to deal with medications related to mental illness. I wouldn't see a gp if I were having heart problems, not going to see one for my mental health issues.
I do want a say in what I take as well, Flint, my physician makes suggestions gives me an opportunity to do research, then give feedback and we choose the direction to go together. It is my body but it is his specialty. I also base most of my decision on effectiveness vs side effects. What about you?
Three to four weeks is generally considered a good try for an anti-depressant, with some degree of improvement felt after two weeks or so. If you're not feeling any benefits at all from the medication after a month, I'd consider trying something else. Of course, your doctor would know best.
Are you feeling any better on Wellbutrin after six weeks? If so, I'd give it a little more time on 300 to see if things improve further. Your doctor may also suggest further increasing the dosage or augmenting it with something else if the med is helping, but not getting you all the way there.
Also, are you seeing a psychiatrist or is your PCP prescribing it? A psychiatrist would have more experience with the various medications and expected responses and side effects.
My psychiatrist is the same way in that he always asks me what I want to do. I suppose it makes sense since I'm the one that's providing the feedback and has to live with the side-effects (I'm very medication sensitive), though I sometimes wish he'd be more opinionated.
It can be challenging to wait for anti-depression medication to kick in. Right now I am in the midst of the waiting game. I started on a low dose (150mg) of Wellbrutrin 6 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago (4 week after starting) I (in consultation with my doctor) went up to 300 mg which is just into the average range for Wellbrutrin. Sometimes I wonder how long I should stay on it for (I do consult my doctor on these decisions, but he often asks what I would like to do too).
What are other people's experience with trying anti-depressant medication? How long did you wait until it kicked in? Or if it didn't work, how long did you wait until you tried something different?
