How Long Will I Need To Stay On My Antidepressant Medication?

— -- Question: How long will I need to stay on my antidepressant medication?

Answer: Antidepressant medications are very effective for the treatment of depression. There are a number of antidepressants available. If you start an antidepressant medication and it leads to full symptom relief, where your all your symptoms are gone, then the antidepressant medication should be continued for at least six to nine months for that episode of depression.

In a large percentage of patients you may end up needing the medication for a much longer time. In a small percentage of patients, medications may be needed for a lifetime.

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