Medicine
 
Taking an antidepressant medication like Paxil CR is one of the most effective treatments people use for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. Most people who take antidepressant medications are helped.

Here are some questions to ask your doctor to ensure you are getting the most from your medicines:


  • What are the brand and generic names of the medicine?

  • How does it work?

  • How soon should I expect results?

  • How and when should I take the medicine? How much should I take and for how long?

  • How long do I need to keep taking the medication after I start feeling better?

  • Are there any foods, drinks or activities I should avoid while taking the medication?

  • What should I do if I miss a dose?

  • What side effects can I expect and how long do they last? What should I do if I have these side effects?

Your doctor will choose an antidepressant based on many factors, including your symptoms and your medical history, as well as which medicines have worked for you in the past.

Take medicines as prescribed

If you take medicine to treat your condition, one of the best things you can do is to take it the way your doctor says. Within two to six weeks after you start taking your medicine, you could notice an improvement in the way you feel. That doesn't mean you can stop taking your medicine. Following the instructions your doctor gave you helps you manage your symptoms.

Medicines for depression, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder don't work the same for everyone. If you don't notice an improvement in the way you feel or if you begin to feel worse, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can change the dosage of the medicine you take or might give you a different medicine to try.

It's important that you do not stop taking your medicine without first talking with your doctor. Doing so could make your symptoms worse and could cause complications in some people. Some people suffer relapses when they go off their medications too early.

It is also important for you to keep your doctor informed about what other drugs or medications (including non-prescription medication and alcohol) you are taking.

How soon will the medicine work?

Even though antidepressant medications can begin to normalize the brain's chemistry immediately, you probably won't begin to feel better for a few weeks. Most people feel better in two to six weeks. Some of your symptoms might disappear early in your treatment. For example, for people with depression, you might feel less tired and be able to sleep better. Other symptoms, such as your sad mood, might take longer to change. Feeling better often comes later, over time.

In most cases, antidepressants are prescribed for a minimum of several months. Treatment can last a year or more. It's important not to stop taking antidepressant medication too soon, even if you feel better. Stopping medication too soon is associated with high rates of relapse. That means if you stop taking your medication too soon, your symptoms may return again. However,staying on medication can greatly reduce the chance of your symptoms returning.
 
Next: Therapy