Questions when switching medications for MDD

Mood disorders are a type of mental health condition involving a disruption to a person’s emotional state. One of the most common mood disorders is major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression or major depression.

Like other types of depressive disorders, MDD causes persistent low moods, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and loss of interest in activities that are normally pleasurable. A person experiencing MDD will often see everything in their life in a negative way, and they will have difficulty seeing positive aspects in any situation. People experiencing MDD have an increased risk of suicide, especially when it is untreated.

While MDD can be debilitating, it is treatable. Treatment typically involves medications and psychotherapy. While these treatments can be used on their own, treatment often achieves better results when these two approaches are used in combination with one another.

There is no “one-size fits all” approach to treatment

While MDD is very common and affects many people, it is also a condition that affects everyone a little bit differently. Likewise, treatment often varies from one person to the next. Treatment can vary depending on the factors that contribute to MDD, coexisting conditions (such as substance use disorders), what a person needs from their healthcare providers, and how a person responds to a particular medication.

A healthcare provider may recommend switching to a different medication if the current medication is causing side effects. If depression symptoms are not responding to a medication, a healthcare provider may switch medications, add another medication, or change the dosage a person is taking. Or they may recommend giving the medication more time to work.

Some depression medications work better for different people, and it may take several tries before a person and their healthcare provider find a medication or combination of medications that work.

While a change in medication may not be needed right now—or may be something that you do not need to think about for some time—it’s helpful to know that this is a common step in treating MDD.

It’s also helpful to be prepared to have such a conversation with a healthcare provider.

Questions to ask when switching medications:

• What is the name of the medication and the dosage?
• How and when does this medication need to be taken?
• How does this medication work to treat depression?
• Why is this medication recommended?
• What are the potential side effects?
• Is there a possibility of drug interactions? Your healthcare provider should always have an up-to-date list of all medications you are taking. This list should include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
• Can this medication interact with alcohol or recreational drugs?
• How long will it take before you notice an improvement in symptoms?
• What are your other treatment options if symptoms do not respond to this medication?
• What does this medication cost? Who can you talk to if you have concerns about the cost of this medication?

Any changes to treatment should always be made under the careful guidance of your healthcare provider. Adhering to your treatment plan will give you the best chance of success with treatment for MDD.