Good to Talk · Getting proper help · Free. Always.
I've been prescribed antidepressants — what now?
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Take them as directed and ask what the medicine is, when to take it, likely side effects, interactions and when follow-up will happen.
What you need to know
Take them as directed and ask what the medicine is, when to take it, likely side effects, interactions and when follow-up will happen. Antidepressants do not usually work instantly. If you develop thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, seek emergency help immediately.
Make it a conversation, not a test
You are allowed to ask questions, explain what matters to you and say when something is not helping. Mental-health care should be based on your needs, circumstances and appropriate clinical assessment.
Keep going
Getting proper help · Talking to your GP · NHS Talking Therapies
Sources & further reading
- NHS — mental health treatments
- NHS — talking therapies
- NHS — antidepressants
- NICE — depression in adults
Educational information only. Treatment should be based on an individual assessment with an appropriate healthcare professional.