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How to know if anti-depressants are working?

Bumbling_Bee

643d

Does anyone have any tips on how to tell if an anti-depressant is working or not? I started Fluoxetine a month or two ago and I haven't had any side effects, but I can't really tell if it's doing anything. Does anyone else have a hard time telling if medication works?

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14

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Depression

Fluoxetine

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Top reply
    • Bunny.girl

      643d

      Something that I would recommend if you keep struggling with meds is to ask your doctor about taking a genetic test. I finally took one and discovered that meds like lexapro and Prozac don't work at all for me. Unfortunately, insurance doesn't always cover the test so that is a downside. But it might be worth it, if you keep taking meds that aren't improving things for you.

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    • Cricket01

      642d

      I feel the same. I started Prozac at the beginning of the summer and I cant tell if it’s helping or if it’s the sunshine and freedom from schoolwork.

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      • Bumbling_Bee

        641d

        @Cricket01 exactly! I can't tell if it's the medication or my environment or just my depression fluctuating like it does sometimes.

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    • Eveie

      643d

      Ask loved ones around you when I don't see any progress I ask my partner if he has noticed any difference in me

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    • smkeaton

      643d

      Make lists of how you feel on your depressive days. Try to ground yourself and notice what symptoms you’re experiencing. Are you more tired? Are you eating? Having a hard time showering? Then you can answer those questions more honestly each day and see how different medications effect those answers over time. I have bipolar II and have been tracking my moods and symptoms and it really helps to find patterns and manage medications effectiveness for me.

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    • Ender318

      643d

      Fluoxetine is a weird one. My doc told me it could take up to 6 months to fully work and during that time it’s possible for you to go the other direction. I’ve been taking it for a while now and it’s helped me a lot. It’s one of those things that you don’t necessarily notice that it’s working but you’ll definitely notice if you forget to take it

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      • Bumbling_Bee

        642d

        @Ender318 Thanks for letting me know! It's really good to know that someone else is taking this medication and knows it works without being able to actually directly tell when it's working. I definitely have that with my ADHD meds as well

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        • Ender318

          641d

          @Bumbling_Bee yeah same. I don’t really notice my adderall when I’ve been taking it but when I forget a day everything just goes wrong 😂

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    • Bunny.girl

      643d

      Something that I would recommend if you keep struggling with meds is to ask your doctor about taking a genetic test. I finally took one and discovered that meds like lexapro and Prozac don't work at all for me. Unfortunately, insurance doesn't always cover the test so that is a downside. But it might be worth it, if you keep taking meds that aren't improving things for you.

      6

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      • Bumbling_Bee

        642d

        @Bunny.girl oh my gosh I have been struggling to find medications that work for over five years and I never knew this was a thing. I know I have a high metabolism and I'm pretty sure meds don't typically work for me in small doses, but I had no idea you could take a test for it. How am I only just hearing about this? Thank you so much I wish I knew about this years ago this will be so helpful I'll definitely look into it. You're amazing!!! Thank you!

        1

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      • thefloorislava

        642d

        @Bunny.girl I had no idea that was a thing. That's so cool

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      • smkeaton

        643d

        @Bunny.girl I agree with this! I just had the genesight test done and it has helped my psychiatrist and I understand that my body personally metabolizes drugs quicker than others. So I have to take higher doses to reach a “therapeutic level” that works for me.

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        • Catlady121427

          643d

          @smkeaton U sound like me....I have very high metabolism things go through me quicker than others

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    • Berwin

      643d

      If you feel the same amount of depression as when you weren’t taking it, it probably isn’t working. Listen to your emotions. If the depression doesn’t get better after about a week of taking the medication, tell your doctor.

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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