How to Get Antidepressants: Everything You Need to Know

Do I Need Antidepressants?

Deciding if you need antidepressants is not a question you need to answer for yourself. Instead, it is one that is answered after a conversation with your trusted medical or mental health professional. More than 13% of American adults are currently using antidepressants, so if you do need one, know that you’re not alone.¹

Antidepressants include a huge variety of newer and older medications that interact with various chemicals in the brain to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of unwanted symptoms.² If you are hoping to address depressive symptoms or believe you have some type of depression, antidepressants may be a good treatment option.

You may need an antidepressant medication if you have multiple depressive symptoms that affect your daily functioning. Some of these symptoms include:³

• Feeling sad or irritable
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Eating too much or too little
• Feeling tired and unmotivated
• Struggling to pay attention or make good choices
• Thinking a lot about death, dying, and suicide
• Finding little pleasure in activities that used to be fun

Antidepressants are not only a medication for depression. Professionals may offer these medications as treatment for people who struggle with the following:²

• Anxiety
• Pain
• Sleeping problems
• Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Trauma-related disorders

Your prescriber may utilize standard diagnostic assessments to determine whether antidepressants are the best treatment option for your symptoms, or they may simply listen to your medical history and current symptoms and prescribe based on their judgment.

How Can I Get Antidepressants?

Though there are numerous antidepressants, one common feature is the need for a prescription. This requirement may seem like a barrier, but since there are very few limits and regulations for antidepressants, they are still easy to obtain.

The most straightforward way to get antidepressants is to schedule a visit with your primary care physician (PCP) or mental health prescriber. During the appointment, let them know:

• What symptoms you are experiencing
• The presentation and impact of the symptoms
• That you’re willing to take a medication

With this information, your prescriber will determine if they believe an antidepressant is right for you and which one would be best. There are different types of antidepressants with the most common being:⁴

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Atypical antidepressants (such as the new FDA-approved medication Auvelity (dextromethorphan-bupropion))

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed option, but your symptoms and history may indicate that another choice would be more helpful for you. A person should always honestly discuss their history, side effects, and previous medication trials with their prescriber to find the best medication to fit their individual needs. It is important to note that antidepressants usually take 4-6 weeks to show their full effects so it is important to be patient and continue to check in with your healthcare provider about any side effects or worsening or unresolved symptoms.

*These medications have a black box warning, the most serious warning from the FDA for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. Before starting any of these medications, you should talk with your doctor about these risks.

Getting an Antidepressant Prescription Online

More recently, a variety of online mental health options have emerged allowing people to be evaluated and prescribed an antidepressant without ever leaving their home. These options are extremely convenient, take less time, and help to maintain one’s privacy.

A potential downside to these online psychiatry services is the lack of connection between patient and professional. Without an in-person meeting, the prescriber may not accurately assess your symptoms, needs, and goals.

How to Get Prescribed Antidepressants

The professionals permitted to prescribe antidepressants may vary depending on state and local restrictions. Physicians are always allowed to offer antidepressants, but the ability for other healthcare professionals to prescribe antidepressants can vary, so it is important to find a licensed provider who can prescribe antidepressants in your home state.

You can usually get a prescription for antidepressants from the following doctors:^5,6

• PCPs –  A primary care physician such as a family medicine, internal medicine or pediatric physician can treat numerous physical and mental health issues and they are able to prescribe everything from antibiotics to antidepressants.
• Psychiatrists – Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health needs. They can offer medication, and since their entire practice is mental health-related, they are better able to evaluate and treat more complex concerns with appropriate medications and accurate dosing.
• Other medical doctors – Depending on the state, gynecologists, cardiologists, podiatrists, and even dentists may receive permission to offer antidepressants.
• Nurses and other physical health professionals – Nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (PA) qualifications vary by state. Many are allowed to prescribe medications.
• Psychologists – Psychologists are doctors of psychology or philosophy licensed by their state. In Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico, these professionals may prescribe medications.

Each prescriber carries a list of pros and cons. If your situation is simple and straightforward, many options could work for you, but if you are experiencing severe or complicated symptoms, you may need the expertise of a specialist.

Note that other mental health professionals, including marriage and family therapists, professional counselors and social workers are never permitted to prescribe medications

Do Over the Counter Antidepressants Exist?

By definition, antidepressants are prescription medications that aim to treat mental health symptoms.⁴ Surely, over-the-counter and natural remedies for depressive symptoms exist, but they are not antidepressants, and may not be recommended by your healthcare provider.

Some over-the-counter options to manage depression include:⁷

• St. John’s wort
• SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Saffron
• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate and approve of the use of these options for depression treatment. They could create some severe side effects or create dangerous outcomes when interacting with antidepressants. Use of these over-the-counter depression treatments should always be discussed with a professional.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Getting Antidepressants

Whenever you consider using an antidepressant, you need to be an engaged member of your treatment team. Rather than sitting back and following the recommendations of your prescriber, decide to take an active approach by asking a lot of questions and listening for the answers.

Questions to ask your care team about getting a prescription for antidepressants include:^2,3

1. What medication are you prescribing and what is the dose?
2. How often should I take this medication?
3. Does it matter when I take it?
4. How long will it take to notice the medication’s effects?
5. How did you decide on this medication?
6. What side effects should I look for, and who should I contact if they emerge?
7. Are there any medications, foods, or drugs I should avoid while using this medication?
8. Can I use this medication if I am nursing, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant?
9. How long will I need to take this medication for?
10. What happens if the medication does not seem to be working?

Be sure to find a prescriber who is willing to answer your questions and explain the process of starting an antidepressant. If you feel dismissed or rushed, the match may not be a good one.

Getting Help Immediately

Depression can endanger your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you notice a drastic change in your depressive symptoms or thoughts of suicide, seek help immediately.

You can call 9-1-1 or present to the nearest emergency department. You can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to learn about mental health assistance in your area.

What Can You Do in Addition to Taking Medication

Taking antidepressants is a great way to improve your mental health symptoms, but they are only one way to improve your mental and emotional state. Behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes are also recommended in addition to antidepressants.

Some of these behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes include the following:⁸

• Talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for depression are great choices.
• Brain stimulation therapies. (Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)) and (electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)) may be good options for your needs.
• Exercise. Yoga, walking, weight training, and other physical activities can all help regulate your moods.
• Changing diet and better sleep. The way you treat yourself physically and transfer to how you feel mentally. Eat healthy foods, drink water, and establish regular sleep routines.
• Social support. Spending time with people you love can make your mental health symptoms much more manageable.

The best part is that you never have to choose just one of these options. You can combine most of these to help reduce depressive symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Before getting a prescription for antidepressants, you and your care team must determine how severe your symptoms are, where they are coming from, and how you would benefit most. Antidepressants are a great choice, but they are not right for all people. Stay patient and consider all options before getting an antidepressant.