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Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression. It refers to having low mood, energy, and functioning for at least two weeks.

Depression: Medications
Depression: Medications2:02
3 Types of Psychotherapy That May Help Treat Depression
3 Types of Psychotherapy That May Help Treat Depression3:22
6 Common Myths About Antidepressants, Debunked
6 Common Myths About Antidepressants, Debunked2:03
Treating Depression: What Psychiatrists and Psychologists Want You to Know
Treating Depression: What Psychiatrists and Psychologists Want You to Know3:27
8 Questions to Ask Your Provider About Medications for Depression
8 Questions to Ask Your Provider About Medications for Depression1:49
5 Tips for Starting a Conversation With a Healthcare Provider About Depression
5 Tips for Starting a Conversation With a Healthcare Provider About Depression2:25
Medications for Depression: How Long Does It Take to Find Relief?
Medications for Depression: How Long Does It Take to Find Relief?2:15
Treating Depression: 4 Tips for Choosing the Right Medication With Your Provider
Treating Depression: 4 Tips for Choosing the Right Medication With Your Provider2:52
How to Know Your Depression Medication Isn’t Working for You
How to Know Your Depression Medication Isn’t Working for You2:35
5 Risks of Not Treating Major Depressive Disorder
5 Risks of Not Treating Major Depressive Disorder3:10
Treating Major Depressive Disorder: 8 Options if SSRIs Don’t Bring Relief
Treating Major Depressive Disorder: 8 Options if SSRIs Don’t Bring Relief2:57

Depression: Medications

Medications for depression aim to recalibrate the imbalance in the chemicals in your brain.

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP profile image

Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Updated on September 12, 2025

When it comes to treating depression with medication, this generally works best when combined with psychotherapy. Medications for depression aim to recalibrate the imbalance in the naturally produced chemicals in your brain.

Starting medication for depression requires patience as the first medication you try might not necessarily be the right one for you. Sometimes, medication is started at a lower dose in order to minimize side effects so you can see how you tolerate the medication and slowly increase the dose until you find the right dose for you. 

When you've found the right one, Dr. Samuels recommends to stay on the antidepressant medication for 6-9 months when first trying it out as very few people experience consistent depression throughout long periods of time. When it is time to start lowering your medication, it is important to speak with your doctor to monitor for any re-emergence of symptoms. This also must be done through phases; you should never just stop taking your medication from one day to the next. 

If you have experienced depression before and recovered, remember what your triggers may or may not be, so when those triggers may happen, you can speak with your doctor and see what the best next step would be for you. 

References

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is depression?

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). ECT, TMS and other brain stimulation therapies.

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