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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 157 (from laksa013)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa157.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482","crawl_time":1776646239,"first_indexed_time":1615553917,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellmind!www,\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482 s443","src_root_hash":"10064058272378209957","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The Pros and Cons of Antidepressants","meta_descriptions":["Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of antidepressants."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nCommitting to taking an antidepressant is a significant decision, so it's helpful to research your options and talk to your doctor.\nAntidepressants are safe, effective, and can give you the motivation to make other positive lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health.\nBe aware that they have side effects, it takes time to see results, and some medications might not be effective.\nAntidepressants can be an effective tool for treating mental health conditions, but that doesn't mean the decision to take them is always easy. You might be worried about side effects, stigma, or whether the medication will actually help you feel better. Some people worry about becoming dependent, while others are concerned that antidepressants might affect their personality or characteristics.\nIt's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you so you can make an informed choice.\nAre Antidepressants Worth It?\nIf you're considering antidepressants and unsure if they're the right choice, it's important to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you.\nPros\nEffectiveness\nSafety\nImprove motivation to enact lifestyle changes\nCons\nRisk of side effects\nDelayed onset (might take time to see results)\nSocial stigma\nSome antidepressants might not work\nAntidepressants Are Effective\nWhen a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is compared to a placebo, which has no active ingredients but can cause a response because some patients react to the suggestion of treatment. Medication benefits must exceed the \"\nplacebo effect\n\" to be considered effective.\nAntidepressants are proven to be more effective than a placebo with respect to relieving depressive symptoms and shortening the length of a depressive episode.\nAs these medications have been in use for over 40 years, there is a plethora of information about how they affect the body. Since the 1980s, several large-scale studies have compared these medications against placebo and each other as new ones come on the market. However, very little information is available regarding a hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants.\nThe fact that antidepressants are effective is a significant pro. Depression is a terrible condition involving symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts.\nA depressive episode can undermine close relationships, interrupt lives, and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors and poor choices. It can severely limit psychosocial functioning and diminish your quality of life.\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. They project that the disease will rank first by 2030.\nRemember, the drawbacks of taking an antidepressant must be measured against the drawbacks of remaining depressed. If we only compared the shortcomings of taking a medication to not taking the medication, we would get a biased, incomplete view.\nAntidepressants Are Safe\nAntidepressants are considered safe. \"Safe\" refers to:\nThe risk of overdose\nThe severity of side effects at the therapeutic (prescribed) dose\nWhether the antidepressant has any dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances\nThere are studies demonstrating that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as:\nPregnant women\nOrgan transplant recipients\nThose with active tumors\nThose who've recently had a stroke\nAntidepressants Can Help Boost Motivation\nLifestyle changes can help manage depressive symptoms. Activities such as exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet are beneficial for mental health.\nThe catch is that a depressed person cannot always get motivated enough to initiate these lifestyle adjustments. Antidepressants can provide a running start to the implementation of a healthier way of living.\nIf someone does exercise their option to take medication, ideally, that will be part of a holistic approach to their wellness that includes self-care and attention to physical health. One doesn’t replace the other.\nAntidepressants Have Side Effects\nAlthough antidepressants are safe, they are not free of side effects. A medication can be considered safe even if it has side effects\nif\nthe side effects are not life-threatening and\/or go away when the medication is discontinued. This is largely true for antidepressants.\nA few of the more common side effects of antidepressants include:\nFatigue\nStomach upset\nDecreased libido\nMany people don’t have side effects at all, or the side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. An ongoing open dialogue with your prescriber about your experience is a must, so make sure your concerns are heard from the start.\nA thoughtful consideration of the side effects of antidepressants can only effectively be done by weighing those side effects against the effect depression has on your life.\nSome people who have side effects decide that the benefits they are getting from the medication are worth it. So, they are willing to put up with things such as dry mouth, for example, and make sure they have plenty of water on hand, in exchange for living without depression.\nIt Takes Time for Antidepressants to Kick In\nAntidepressants don't work right away. Of course, it depends on the medication and the individual, but benefits can start a few days after taking your first dose.\nMost will experience some benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn’t considered to technically be a failure unless you have felt no improvement after six weeks on a therapeutic dose.\nSome medications are introduced at a low dose to allow your body to adjust, and then that dose is slowly titrated upwards. You and your doctor can discuss whether it is realistic to expect benefits before reaching that dosage.\nSocial Stigma Still Exists\nWe try to avoid being swayed by stigma when making major life decisions. However, one should be honest with themselves regarding the potential for considerable stigma and self-stigma involved with being on antidepressants and how it may affect their behavior. \nSome individuals might feel so much ambivalence about taking medication that they skip doses or won’t disclose their use of antidepressants to other providers who may need a complete health history.\nYou also want to be comfortable enough with the idea of taking medications so that you can commit to it for approximately six months, as this is the usual recommendation.\nSome Antidepressants May Not Work For You\nAt times, a medication is either ineffective or doesn’t result in the full desired effect. In this case, you and your doctor can work on a plan that might be a new medication or, in some cases, an additional medication. \nCurrently, there is no great way to predict in advance which medication might work for a given individual with just a standard interview. \nHowever, there appears to be a genetic component to antidepressant response. Some companies offer\ngenetic testing\n, which may be helpful in determining the best choice for you.\nYour prescriber may also inquire about other relatives with a depression history and what medications worked for them to help guide their prescribing.\nWe Don't Really Know Why Antidepressants Work\nWhile it is commonly believed by many people that depression is caused by brain chemistry, researchers and doctors now know this is not the case. This theory has been on the decline for years, but a 2022 study demonstrated that there is no reason to believe that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.\nThis does not mean, however, that antidepressants don't help. Instead, it means we don't fully understand precisely\nwhy\nantidepressants relieve symptoms of depression.\nDepression is complex and can have multiple causes. Because of this, no single treatment works for everyone.\nTaking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Conditions A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/conditions-a-z-4797402)\n  - [Addiction](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/addiction-overview-4581803)\n  - [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-4157261)\n  - [ADHD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/adhd-overview-4581801)\n  - [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/anxiety-7508391)\n  - [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/bipolar-disorder-4157274)\n  - [PTSD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/ptsd-4157229)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/conditions-a-z-4797402)\n- [Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/therapy-4581775)\n  - [Therapy Center](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/therapy-7092217)\n  - 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[Dating](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/dating-tips-and-strategies-7511571)\n  - [Intimacy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/sex-and-relationships-7511610)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n  - [Theories](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/theories-of-psychology-4157184)\n  - [Student Resources](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/student-resources-overview-4581768)\n  - [Personality Types](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-2795583)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n  - [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/quizzes-8609222)\n  - [Guided Meditations](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/guided-meditations-8609227)\n  - [Verywell Mind Insights](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-data-insights-5185693)\n  - [2024 Verywell Mind 25](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-verywell-mind-25-2024-7484480)\n  - [Mental Health in the Classroom](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-in-the-classroom-survey-7569880)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564)\n  - 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[Types of Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-choose-the-best-type-of-therapy-for-you-6500320)\n  - [Best Online Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/best-online-therapy-4691206)\n  - [Best Couples Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/best-online-marriage-counseling-4691952)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/therapy-4581775)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-well-7510832)\n  - [Managing Stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-management-overview-4581770)\n  - [Meditation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/meditation-and-mindfulness-4581783)\n  - [Sleep and Dreaming](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/sleep-and-dreaming-4157166)\n  - [Understanding Emotions](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/emotions-4157165)\n  - [Self-Improvement](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/self-improvement-4157212)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-well-7510832)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/relationships-4157190)\n  - [Healthy Relationships](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/strengthening-relationships-4162997)\n  - [Dating](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/dating-tips-and-strategies-7511571)\n  - [Intimacy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/sex-and-relationships-7511610)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/relationships-4157190)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n  - [Theories](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/theories-of-psychology-4157184)\n  - [Student Resources](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/student-resources-overview-4581768)\n  - [Personality Types](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-2795583)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n  - [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/quizzes-8609222)\n  - [Guided Meditations](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/guided-meditations-8609227)\n  - [Verywell Mind Insights](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-data-insights-5185693)\n  - [2024 Verywell Mind 25](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-verywell-mind-25-2024-7484480)\n  - [Mental Health in the Classroom](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-in-the-classroom-survey-7569880)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n\n[More in Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-4157261)\n\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-treatment-4157258)\n- [Living With](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-with-depression-7508413)\n- [Causes](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-causes-4157256)\n- [Symptoms and Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-symptoms-and-diagnosis-4157260)\n- [Types](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-types-4157254)\n- [Childhood Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/childhood-depression-4157255)\n- [Suicide](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/suicide-4157253)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-4157261)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n- [Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n- [Crisis Support](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/crisis-support-6666353)\n\nVerywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\n# The Pros and Cons of Antidepressants\nBy\n\n[Margaret Seide, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/margaret-seide-md-5092014)\n\n![Margaret Seide]()\n\n![Margaret Seide](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/RRtd6bOYt8WHvBMvFeiFtKvMCxY=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/MegSiede_1000-05e95c743d0b460eaa6610c4839c245c.jpg)\n\n[Margaret Seide, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/margaret-seide-md-5092014)\n\nMargaret Seide, MS, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of depression, addiction, and eating disorders.\n\nLearn about our  [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n\nUpdated on February 24, 2026\n\nMedically reviewed\n\nVerywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. [Learn more](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494).\n\nby\n\n[Armeen Poor, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/armeen-poor-md-4781673)\n\n![Armeen Poor]()\n\n![Armeen Poor](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/3Xvb58AhoSPO2906suHumpzDTas=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/Armeen-fb0d3f30559742abbb4c13376445b7ab.jpg)\n\nMedically reviewed by [Armeen Poor, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/armeen-poor-md-4781673)\n\nArmeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist. He specializes in pulmonary health, critical care, and sleep medicine.\n\nLearn about our  [Medical Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n\n![Pros and cons of antidepressants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/2b9L-P1SIMMVxy2voHf1HWqdJOk=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482-FINAL-a5247144e6394d9d812302c2d56f5df2.png)\n\n![Pros and cons of antidepressants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/2b9L-P1SIMMVxy2voHf1HWqdJOk=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482-FINAL-a5247144e6394d9d812302c2d56f5df2.png)\n\nVerywell \/ Jiaqi Zhou\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Pros and Cons](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-are-antidepressants-worth-it)\n- [Effectiveness](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-are-effective)\n- [Safety](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-are-safe)\n- [Increased Motivation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-can-help-boost-motivation)\n- [Side Effects](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-have-side-effects)\n- [Delayed Onset](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-it-takes-time-for-antidepressants-to-kick-in)\n- [Stigma](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-social-stigma-still-exists)\n- [Varying Results](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-some-antidepressants-may-not-work-for-you)\n- [How Do They Work?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-we-dont-really-know-why-antidepressants-work)\n\nClose\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Committing to taking an antidepressant is a significant decision, so it's helpful to research your options and talk to your doctor.\n- Antidepressants are safe, effective, and can give you the motivation to make other positive lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health.\n- Be aware that they have side effects, it takes time to see results, and some medications might not be effective.\n\nAntidepressants can be an effective tool for treating mental health conditions, but that doesn't mean the decision to take them is always easy. You might be worried about side effects, stigma, or whether the medication will actually help you feel better. Some people worry about becoming dependent, while others are concerned that antidepressants might affect their personality or characteristics.\n\nIt's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you so you can make an informed choice.\n\n## Are Antidepressants Worth It?\nIf you're considering antidepressants and unsure if they're the right choice, it's important to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you.\n\nPros\n\n- Effectiveness\n- Safety\n- Improve motivation to enact lifestyle changes\n\nCons\n\n- Risk of side effects\n- Delayed onset (might take time to see results)\n- Social stigma\n- Some antidepressants might not work\n## Antidepressants Are Effective\nWhen a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is compared to a placebo, which has no active ingredients but can cause a response because some patients react to the suggestion of treatment. Medication benefits must exceed the \"[placebo effect](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-the-placebo-effect-2795466)\" to be considered effective.\n\nAntidepressants are proven to be more effective than a placebo with respect to relieving depressive symptoms and shortening the length of a depressive episode.\n\nAs these medications have been in use for over 40 years, there is a plethora of information about how they affect the body. Since the 1980s, several large-scale studies have compared these medications against placebo and each other as new ones come on the market. However, very little information is available regarding a hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants.\n\nThe fact that antidepressants are effective is a significant pro. Depression is a terrible condition involving symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts.\n\nA depressive episode can undermine close relationships, interrupt lives, and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors and poor choices. It can severely limit psychosocial functioning and diminish your quality of life.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. They project that the disease will rank first by 2030.\n\nRemember, the drawbacks of taking an antidepressant must be measured against the drawbacks of remaining depressed. If we only compared the shortcomings of taking a medication to not taking the medication, we would get a biased, incomplete view.\n\n## Antidepressants Are Safe\nAntidepressants are considered safe. \"Safe\" refers to:\n\n- The risk of overdose\n- The severity of side effects at the therapeutic (prescribed) dose\n- Whether the antidepressant has any dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances\n\nThere are studies demonstrating that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as:\n\n- Pregnant women\n- Organ transplant recipients\n- Those with active tumors\n- Those who've recently had a stroke\n## Antidepressants Can Help Boost Motivation\nLifestyle changes can help manage depressive symptoms. Activities such as exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet are beneficial for mental health.\n\nThe catch is that a depressed person cannot always get motivated enough to initiate these lifestyle adjustments. Antidepressants can provide a running start to the implementation of a healthier way of living.\n\nIf someone does exercise their option to take medication, ideally, that will be part of a holistic approach to their wellness that includes self-care and attention to physical health. One doesn’t replace the other.\n\n## Antidepressants Have Side Effects\nAlthough antidepressants are safe, they are not free of side effects. A medication can be considered safe even if it has side effects ***if*** the side effects are not life-threatening and\/or go away when the medication is discontinued. This is largely true for antidepressants.\n\nA few of the more common side effects of antidepressants include:\n\n- Fatigue\n- Stomach upset\n- Decreased libido\n\nMany people don’t have side effects at all, or the side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. An ongoing open dialogue with your prescriber about your experience is a must, so make sure your concerns are heard from the start.\n\nA thoughtful consideration of the side effects of antidepressants can only effectively be done by weighing those side effects against the effect depression has on your life.\n\nSome people who have side effects decide that the benefits they are getting from the medication are worth it. So, they are willing to put up with things such as dry mouth, for example, and make sure they have plenty of water on hand, in exchange for living without depression.\n\n## It Takes Time for Antidepressants to Kick In\nAntidepressants don't work right away. Of course, it depends on the medication and the individual, but benefits can start a few days after taking your first dose.\n\nMost will experience some benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn’t considered to technically be a failure unless you have felt no improvement after six weeks on a therapeutic dose.\n\nSome medications are introduced at a low dose to allow your body to adjust, and then that dose is slowly titrated upwards. You and your doctor can discuss whether it is realistic to expect benefits before reaching that dosage.\n\n## Social Stigma Still Exists\nWe try to avoid being swayed by stigma when making major life decisions. However, one should be honest with themselves regarding the potential for considerable stigma and self-stigma involved with being on antidepressants and how it may affect their behavior.\n\nSome individuals might feel so much ambivalence about taking medication that they skip doses or won’t disclose their use of antidepressants to other providers who may need a complete health history.\n\nYou also want to be comfortable enough with the idea of taking medications so that you can commit to it for approximately six months, as this is the usual recommendation.\n\n## Some Antidepressants May Not Work For You\nAt times, a medication is either ineffective or doesn’t result in the full desired effect. In this case, you and your doctor can work on a plan that might be a new medication or, in some cases, an additional medication.\n\nCurrently, there is no great way to predict in advance which medication might work for a given individual with just a standard interview.\n\nHowever, there appears to be a genetic component to antidepressant response. Some companies offer [genetic testing](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-medications-for-anxiety-2337705), which may be helpful in determining the best choice for you.\n\nYour prescriber may also inquire about other relatives with a depression history and what medications worked for them to help guide their prescribing.\n\n## We Don't Really Know Why Antidepressants Work\nWhile it is commonly believed by many people that depression is caused by brain chemistry, researchers and doctors now know this is not the case. This theory has been on the decline for years, but a 2022 study demonstrated that there is no reason to believe that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.\n\nThis does not mean, however, that antidepressants don't help. Instead, it means we don't fully understand precisely *why* antidepressants relieve symptoms of depression.\n\nDepression is complex and can have multiple causes. Because of this, no single treatment works for everyone.\n\nTaking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief.\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Conditions A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/conditions-a-z-4797402)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-4157261)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-treatment-4157258)\n\n7 Sources\n\nVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. Andrade C. [Relative efficacy and acceptability of antidepressant drugs in adults with major depressive disorder: Commentary on a network meta-analysis](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4088\/JCP.18f12254). *J Clin Psychiatry*. 2018;79(2):18f12254. doi:10.4088\/JCP.18f12254\n2. Malhi GS, Mann JJ. [Depression](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0140-6736%2818%2931948-2). *Lancet*. 2018;392(10161):2299-2312. doi:10.1016\/S0140-6736(18)31948-2\n3. Köhler-Forsberg O, Stiglbauer V, Brasanac J, et al. [Efficacy and safety of antidepressants in patients with comorbid depression and medical diseases: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamapsychiatry.2023.2983). *JAMA Psychiatry*. 2023;80(12):1196-1207. doi:10.1001\/jamapsychiatry.2023.2983\n4. Bałkowiec-Iskra E, Mirowska-Guzel DM, Wielgoś M. [Effect of antidepressants use in pregnancy on foetus development and adverse effects in newborns](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5603\/GP.a2017.0007). *Ginekol Pol*. 2017;88(1):36-42. doi:10.5603\/GP.a2017.0007\n5. Mullish BH, Kabir MS, Thursz MR, Dhar A. [Review article: depression and the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/apt.12925) *Aliment Pharmacol Ther*. 2014;40(8):880-892. doi:10.1111\/apt.12925\n6. Rampello L, Battaglia G, Raffaele R, Vecchio I, Alvano A. [Is it safe to use antidepressants after a stroke?](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1517\/14740338.4.5.885) *Expert Opin Drug Saf*. 2005;4(5):885-897. doi:10.1517\/14740338.4.5.885\n7. Moncrieff J, Cooper RE, Stockmann T, Amendola S, Hengartner MP, Horowitz MA. [The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41380-022-01661-0). *Mol Psychiatry*. 2022. doi:10.1038\/s41380-022-01661-0\n\n![Margaret Seide]()\n\n![Margaret Seide](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/UppDKEhi9-uWtebGHymtCSjUH5E=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/MegSiede_1000-05e95c743d0b460eaa6610c4839c245c.jpg)\n\nBy [Margaret Seide, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/margaret-seide-md-5092014)   \n Margaret Seide, MS, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of depression, addiction, and eating disorders.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n\n[Meet Our Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[What to Know About Cipralex (Escitalopram)](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-cipralex-treats-depression-5093926)\n\n[![weight gain tight pants]() ![weight gain tight pants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/mbloGm08B85izJDaa14rk3naK4Q=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/weight-gain-56af365e3df78cf772c19cd0.jpg) Does Celexa Cause Weight Gain?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/citalopram-and-weight-gain-1066818)\n\n[![What Are antidepressants?]() ![What Are antidepressants?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/AtHWilyMM1k-lRFKTvml1vSEj7o=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/what-are-the-major-classes-of-antidepressants-1065086_no_text-85790b1ac6384f69a7031ca58a50b809.png) The 5 Types of Antidepressants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-major-classes-of-antidepressants-1065086)\n\n[Joining a Chat Room to Help With Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-chat-rooms-1067331)\n\n[![Hypericum perforatum]() ![Hypericum perforatum](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/lyfN_OyAW4yr3B8eXO22ykdxlZc=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-184362812-583097195f9b58d5b118e2e7.jpg) The Mental Health Benefits of St. John's Wort](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/st-johns-wort-a2-89959)\n\n[![doctor's prescription for citalopram]() ![doctor's prescription for citalopram](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/ASojRH9B9bYpjUTo80WyK_uaPdc=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-870295882-184f88cf459c48ab88971c1dc4542187.jpg) Celexa Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/celexa-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment-4771846)\n\n[![One young man sits, sad, while his friends take a picture]() ![One young man sits, sad, while his friends take a picture](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/YFXfuchrI3VvU265PNpf8qcXB3M=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-698202208-5beb4503c9e77c0026fc076f.jpg) Emotional Blunting: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/can-antidepressants-make-you-feel-emotionally-numb-1067348)\n\n[![Dizzy woman by side of road]() ![Dizzy woman by side of road](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/5iH_Iq0Fi1iv2edYo3sqLQgcT-g=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1000229966-d6098f4824a94ae590e196f0de7e40d6.jpg) Symptoms of a Zoloft Overdose](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/zoloft-overdose-1067483)\n\n[![Paxil withdrawal]() ![Paxil withdrawal](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/4JQvw_Y7cz6JIZeD8U_h5D2v5-Y=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment-4769771_final_no-text-ee8973e5fa504997a3807561a1e50062.png) How Long Does Withdrawal From Paxil Last?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment-4769771)\n\n[![Prozac overdose]() ![Prozac overdose](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/8WR79jYLEGYA6IwKK_aB9JNtSV0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/prozac-overdose-1067020-color01-e288bf80afcd4cd0bdc548b17b72399d.png) Can You Overdose on Prozac? Symptoms and What to Do Next](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/prozac-overdose-1067020)\n\n[![Person holding a handful of antidepressants]() ![Person holding a handful of antidepressants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/k-rNaoFc4tswvRJb-BOA7l6Wqn0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-951246244-aafb86a3556145b8b2ad04415d62b09b.jpg) Common Antidepressant Medications](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/most-common-antidepressants-1066939)\n\n[![A sad white man with beard looks at phone]() ![A sad white man with beard looks at phone](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/44tDyHo1Nqhm6DWS0kPbWyLg7P4=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-981113982-8bf1a5f4abab4ba5b8161c3e3521a865.jpg) What to Expect from Cymbalta Withdrawal](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/cymbalta-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment-4707711)\n\n[![Pensive young woman lying in bed]() ![Pensive young woman lying in bed](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/Bkl7FbBtPKJVaxc2N5Tplg6tOT4=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1474174895-f2f67bd54f2945a3bbb4321765378ec3.jpg) What Causes Mood Swings?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-mood-swings-1067178)\n\n[![Sad woman sitting on sofa]() ![Sad woman sitting on sofa](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/_sFcPElHSupcz3v0GjuEWUrdP8I=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/depressed-for-no-reason-56af37433df78cf772c1a7cd.jpg) Why Am I Depressed for No Reason?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-can-a-person-be-depressed-for-no-reason-1066765)\n\n[![grief vs depression]() ![grief vs depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/S9Mq1Tw1dJaFlXoNpq4Q_s0k3RY=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/grief-and-depression-1067237_final_notextnologo-087212a3aa2540e2aee6af904df0e48b.png) Grief vs. Depression: Which Is It?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/grief-and-depression-1067237)\n\n[![woman talking to female doctor in office]() ![woman talking to female doctor in office](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/uJftc8Cgw17UXVMWcjRtrGziUTU=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages_108463420-56af362c3df78cf772c19a9a.jpg) Should You See a Doctor, Psychiatrist, or Therapist for Depression?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/i-think-im-depressed-now-what-1066902)\n\n- [Conditions A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/conditions-a-z-4797402)\n- [Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/therapy-4581775)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-well-7510832)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/relationships-4157190)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n\n- [Meet Our Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [In the News](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/in-the-news-4782525)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564#toc-contact-us)\n- [Crisis Support](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/crisis-support-6666353)\n\nFollow Us\n\nVerywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Mind is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Committing to taking an antidepressant is a significant decision, so it's helpful to research your options and talk to your doctor.\n- Antidepressants are safe, effective, and can give you the motivation to make other positive lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health.\n- Be aware that they have side effects, it takes time to see results, and some medications might not be effective.\n\nAntidepressants can be an effective tool for treating mental health conditions, but that doesn't mean the decision to take them is always easy. You might be worried about side effects, stigma, or whether the medication will actually help you feel better. Some people worry about becoming dependent, while others are concerned that antidepressants might affect their personality or characteristics.\n\nIt's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you so you can make an informed choice.\n\n## Are Antidepressants Worth It?\nIf you're considering antidepressants and unsure if they're the right choice, it's important to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you.\n\nPros\n\n- Effectiveness\n- Safety\n- Improve motivation to enact lifestyle changes\n\nCons\n\n- Risk of side effects\n- Delayed onset (might take time to see results)\n- Social stigma\n- Some antidepressants might not work\n## Antidepressants Are Effective\nWhen a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is compared to a placebo, which has no active ingredients but can cause a response because some patients react to the suggestion of treatment. Medication benefits must exceed the \"[placebo effect](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-the-placebo-effect-2795466)\" to be considered effective.\n\nAntidepressants are proven to be more effective than a placebo with respect to relieving depressive symptoms and shortening the length of a depressive episode.\n\nAs these medications have been in use for over 40 years, there is a plethora of information about how they affect the body. Since the 1980s, several large-scale studies have compared these medications against placebo and each other as new ones come on the market. However, very little information is available regarding a hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants.\n\nThe fact that antidepressants are effective is a significant pro. Depression is a terrible condition involving symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts.\n\nA depressive episode can undermine close relationships, interrupt lives, and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors and poor choices. It can severely limit psychosocial functioning and diminish your quality of life.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. They project that the disease will rank first by 2030.\n\nRemember, the drawbacks of taking an antidepressant must be measured against the drawbacks of remaining depressed. If we only compared the shortcomings of taking a medication to not taking the medication, we would get a biased, incomplete view.\n\n## Antidepressants Are Safe\nAntidepressants are considered safe. \"Safe\" refers to:\n\n- The risk of overdose\n- The severity of side effects at the therapeutic (prescribed) dose\n- Whether the antidepressant has any dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances\n\nThere are studies demonstrating that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as:\n\n- Pregnant women\n- Organ transplant recipients\n- Those with active tumors\n- Those who've recently had a stroke\n## Antidepressants Can Help Boost Motivation\nLifestyle changes can help manage depressive symptoms. Activities such as exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet are beneficial for mental health.\n\nThe catch is that a depressed person cannot always get motivated enough to initiate these lifestyle adjustments. Antidepressants can provide a running start to the implementation of a healthier way of living.\n\nIf someone does exercise their option to take medication, ideally, that will be part of a holistic approach to their wellness that includes self-care and attention to physical health. One doesn’t replace the other.\n\n## Antidepressants Have Side Effects\nAlthough antidepressants are safe, they are not free of side effects. A medication can be considered safe even if it has side effects ***if*** the side effects are not life-threatening and\/or go away when the medication is discontinued. This is largely true for antidepressants.\n\nA few of the more common side effects of antidepressants include:\n\n- Fatigue\n- Stomach upset\n- Decreased libido\n\nMany people don’t have side effects at all, or the side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. An ongoing open dialogue with your prescriber about your experience is a must, so make sure your concerns are heard from the start.\n\nA thoughtful consideration of the side effects of antidepressants can only effectively be done by weighing those side effects against the effect depression has on your life.\n\nSome people who have side effects decide that the benefits they are getting from the medication are worth it. So, they are willing to put up with things such as dry mouth, for example, and make sure they have plenty of water on hand, in exchange for living without depression.\n\n## It Takes Time for Antidepressants to Kick In\nAntidepressants don't work right away. Of course, it depends on the medication and the individual, but benefits can start a few days after taking your first dose.\n\nMost will experience some benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn’t considered to technically be a failure unless you have felt no improvement after six weeks on a therapeutic dose.\n\nSome medications are introduced at a low dose to allow your body to adjust, and then that dose is slowly titrated upwards. You and your doctor can discuss whether it is realistic to expect benefits before reaching that dosage.\n\n## Social Stigma Still Exists\nWe try to avoid being swayed by stigma when making major life decisions. However, one should be honest with themselves regarding the potential for considerable stigma and self-stigma involved with being on antidepressants and how it may affect their behavior.\n\nSome individuals might feel so much ambivalence about taking medication that they skip doses or won’t disclose their use of antidepressants to other providers who may need a complete health history.\n\nYou also want to be comfortable enough with the idea of taking medications so that you can commit to it for approximately six months, as this is the usual recommendation.\n\n## Some Antidepressants May Not Work For You\nAt times, a medication is either ineffective or doesn’t result in the full desired effect. In this case, you and your doctor can work on a plan that might be a new medication or, in some cases, an additional medication.\n\nCurrently, there is no great way to predict in advance which medication might work for a given individual with just a standard interview.\n\nHowever, there appears to be a genetic component to antidepressant response. Some companies offer [genetic testing](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-medications-for-anxiety-2337705), which may be helpful in determining the best choice for you.\n\nYour prescriber may also inquire about other relatives with a depression history and what medications worked for them to help guide their prescribing.\n\n## We Don't Really Know Why Antidepressants Work\nWhile it is commonly believed by many people that depression is caused by brain chemistry, researchers and doctors now know this is not the case. This theory has been on the decline for years, but a 2022 study demonstrated that there is no reason to believe that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.\n\nThis does not mean, however, that antidepressants don't help. Instead, it means we don't fully understand precisely *why* antidepressants relieve symptoms of depression.\n\nDepression is complex and can have multiple causes. Because of this, no single treatment works for everyone.\n\nTaking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Committing to taking an antidepressant is a significant decision, so it's helpful to research your options and talk to your doctor. Antidepressants are safe, effective, and can give you the motivation to make other positive lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health. Be aware that they have side effects, it takes time to see results, and some medications might not be effective. Antidepressants can be an effective tool for treating mental health conditions, but that doesn't mean the decision to take them is always easy. You might be worried about side effects, stigma, or whether the medication will actually help you feel better. Some people worry about becoming dependent, while others are concerned that antidepressants might affect their personality or characteristics. It's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you so you can make an informed choice. Are Antidepressants Worth It? If you're considering antidepressants and unsure if they're the right choice, it's important to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you. Pros Effectiveness Safety Improve motivation to enact lifestyle changes Cons Risk of side effects Delayed onset (might take time to see results) Social stigma Some antidepressants might not work Antidepressants Are Effective When a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is compared to a placebo, which has no active ingredients but can cause a response because some patients react to the suggestion of treatment. Medication benefits must exceed the " placebo effect " to be considered effective. Antidepressants are proven to be more effective than a placebo with respect to relieving depressive symptoms and shortening the length of a depressive episode. As these medications have been in use for over 40 years, there is a plethora of information about how they affect the body. Since the 1980s, several large-scale studies have compared these medications against placebo and each other as new ones come on the market. However, very little information is available regarding a hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants. The fact that antidepressants are effective is a significant pro. Depression is a terrible condition involving symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts. A depressive episode can undermine close relationships, interrupt lives, and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors and poor choices. It can severely limit psychosocial functioning and diminish your quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. They project that the disease will rank first by 2030. Remember, the drawbacks of taking an antidepressant must be measured against the drawbacks of remaining depressed. If we only compared the shortcomings of taking a medication to not taking the medication, we would get a biased, incomplete view. Antidepressants Are Safe Antidepressants are considered safe. "Safe" refers to: The risk of overdose The severity of side effects at the therapeutic (prescribed) dose Whether the antidepressant has any dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances There are studies demonstrating that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as: Pregnant women Organ transplant recipients Those with active tumors Those who've recently had a stroke Antidepressants Can Help Boost Motivation Lifestyle changes can help manage depressive symptoms. Activities such as exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet are beneficial for mental health. The catch is that a depressed person cannot always get motivated enough to initiate these lifestyle adjustments. Antidepressants can provide a running start to the implementation of a healthier way of living. If someone does exercise their option to take medication, ideally, that will be part of a holistic approach to their wellness that includes self-care and attention to physical health. One doesn’t replace the other. Antidepressants Have Side Effects Although antidepressants are safe, they are not free of side effects. A medication can be considered safe even if it has side effects if the side effects are not life-threatening and/or go away when the medication is discontinued. This is largely true for antidepressants. A few of the more common side effects of antidepressants include: Fatigue Stomach upset Decreased libido Many people don’t have side effects at all, or the side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. An ongoing open dialogue with your prescriber about your experience is a must, so make sure your concerns are heard from the start. A thoughtful consideration of the side effects of antidepressants can only effectively be done by weighing those side effects against the effect depression has on your life. Some people who have side effects decide that the benefits they are getting from the medication are worth it. So, they are willing to put up with things such as dry mouth, for example, and make sure they have plenty of water on hand, in exchange for living without depression. It Takes Time for Antidepressants to Kick In Antidepressants don't work right away. Of course, it depends on the medication and the individual, but benefits can start a few days after taking your first dose. Most will experience some benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn’t considered to technically be a failure unless you have felt no improvement after six weeks on a therapeutic dose. Some medications are introduced at a low dose to allow your body to adjust, and then that dose is slowly titrated upwards. You and your doctor can discuss whether it is realistic to expect benefits before reaching that dosage. Social Stigma Still Exists We try to avoid being swayed by stigma when making major life decisions. However, one should be honest with themselves regarding the potential for considerable stigma and self-stigma involved with being on antidepressants and how it may affect their behavior. Some individuals might feel so much ambivalence about taking medication that they skip doses or won’t disclose their use of antidepressants to other providers who may need a complete health history. You also want to be comfortable enough with the idea of taking medications so that you can commit to it for approximately six months, as this is the usual recommendation. Some Antidepressants May Not Work For You At times, a medication is either ineffective or doesn’t result in the full desired effect. In this case, you and your doctor can work on a plan that might be a new medication or, in some cases, an additional medication. Currently, there is no great way to predict in advance which medication might work for a given individual with just a standard interview. However, there appears to be a genetic component to antidepressant response. Some companies offer genetic testing , which may be helpful in determining the best choice for you. Your prescriber may also inquire about other relatives with a depression history and what medications worked for them to help guide their prescribing. We Don't Really Know Why Antidepressants Work While it is commonly believed by many people that depression is caused by brain chemistry, researchers and doctors now know this is not the case. This theory has been on the decline for years, but a 2022 study demonstrated that there is no reason to believe that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. This does not mean, however, that antidepressants don't help. Instead, it means we don't fully understand precisely why antidepressants relieve symptoms of depression. Depression is complex and can have multiple causes. Because of this, no single treatment works for everyone. Taking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief.
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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved # The Pros and Cons of Antidepressants By [Margaret Seide, MD](https://www.verywellmind.com/margaret-seide-md-5092014) ![Margaret Seide]() ![Margaret Seide](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/RRtd6bOYt8WHvBMvFeiFtKvMCxY=/200x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/MegSiede_1000-05e95c743d0b460eaa6610c4839c245c.jpg) [Margaret Seide, MD](https://www.verywellmind.com/margaret-seide-md-5092014) Margaret Seide, MS, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of depression, addiction, and eating disorders. Learn about our [editorial process](https://www.verywellmind.com/our-editorial-process-4778006) Updated on February 24, 2026 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. [Learn more](https://www.verywellmind.com/review-board-4796494). by [Armeen Poor, MD](https://www.verywellmind.com/armeen-poor-md-4781673) ![Armeen Poor]() ![Armeen Poor](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/3Xvb58AhoSPO2906suHumpzDTas=/200x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Armeen-fb0d3f30559742abbb4c13376445b7ab.jpg) Medically reviewed by [Armeen Poor, MD](https://www.verywellmind.com/armeen-poor-md-4781673) Armeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist. He specializes in pulmonary health, critical care, and sleep medicine. Learn about our [Medical Review Board](https://www.verywellmind.com/review-board-4796494) ![Pros and cons of antidepressants](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/2b9L-P1SIMMVxy2voHf1HWqdJOk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482-FINAL-a5247144e6394d9d812302c2d56f5df2.png) ![Pros and cons of antidepressants](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/2b9L-P1SIMMVxy2voHf1HWqdJOk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482-FINAL-a5247144e6394d9d812302c2d56f5df2.png) Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Pros and Cons](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-are-antidepressants-worth-it) - [Effectiveness](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-are-effective) - [Safety](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-are-safe) - [Increased Motivation](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-can-help-boost-motivation) - [Side Effects](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-antidepressants-have-side-effects) - [Delayed Onset](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-it-takes-time-for-antidepressants-to-kick-in) - [Stigma](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-social-stigma-still-exists) - [Varying Results](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-some-antidepressants-may-not-work-for-you) - [How Do They Work?](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482#toc-we-dont-really-know-why-antidepressants-work) Close ### Key Takeaways - Committing to taking an antidepressant is a significant decision, so it's helpful to research your options and talk to your doctor. - Antidepressants are safe, effective, and can give you the motivation to make other positive lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health. - Be aware that they have side effects, it takes time to see results, and some medications might not be effective. Antidepressants can be an effective tool for treating mental health conditions, but that doesn't mean the decision to take them is always easy. You might be worried about side effects, stigma, or whether the medication will actually help you feel better. Some people worry about becoming dependent, while others are concerned that antidepressants might affect their personality or characteristics. It's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you so you can make an informed choice. ## Are Antidepressants Worth It? If you're considering antidepressants and unsure if they're the right choice, it's important to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you. Pros - Effectiveness - Safety - Improve motivation to enact lifestyle changes Cons - Risk of side effects - Delayed onset (might take time to see results) - Social stigma - Some antidepressants might not work ## Antidepressants Are Effective When a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is compared to a placebo, which has no active ingredients but can cause a response because some patients react to the suggestion of treatment. Medication benefits must exceed the "[placebo effect](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-placebo-effect-2795466)" to be considered effective. Antidepressants are proven to be more effective than a placebo with respect to relieving depressive symptoms and shortening the length of a depressive episode. As these medications have been in use for over 40 years, there is a plethora of information about how they affect the body. Since the 1980s, several large-scale studies have compared these medications against placebo and each other as new ones come on the market. However, very little information is available regarding a hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants. The fact that antidepressants are effective is a significant pro. Depression is a terrible condition involving symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts. A depressive episode can undermine close relationships, interrupt lives, and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors and poor choices. It can severely limit psychosocial functioning and diminish your quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. They project that the disease will rank first by 2030. Remember, the drawbacks of taking an antidepressant must be measured against the drawbacks of remaining depressed. If we only compared the shortcomings of taking a medication to not taking the medication, we would get a biased, incomplete view. ## Antidepressants Are Safe Antidepressants are considered safe. "Safe" refers to: - The risk of overdose - The severity of side effects at the therapeutic (prescribed) dose - Whether the antidepressant has any dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances There are studies demonstrating that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as: - Pregnant women - Organ transplant recipients - Those with active tumors - Those who've recently had a stroke ## Antidepressants Can Help Boost Motivation Lifestyle changes can help manage depressive symptoms. Activities such as exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet are beneficial for mental health. The catch is that a depressed person cannot always get motivated enough to initiate these lifestyle adjustments. Antidepressants can provide a running start to the implementation of a healthier way of living. If someone does exercise their option to take medication, ideally, that will be part of a holistic approach to their wellness that includes self-care and attention to physical health. One doesn’t replace the other. ## Antidepressants Have Side Effects Although antidepressants are safe, they are not free of side effects. A medication can be considered safe even if it has side effects *if* the side effects are not life-threatening and/or go away when the medication is discontinued. This is largely true for antidepressants. A few of the more common side effects of antidepressants include: - Fatigue - Stomach upset - Decreased libido Many people don’t have side effects at all, or the side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. An ongoing open dialogue with your prescriber about your experience is a must, so make sure your concerns are heard from the start. A thoughtful consideration of the side effects of antidepressants can only effectively be done by weighing those side effects against the effect depression has on your life. Some people who have side effects decide that the benefits they are getting from the medication are worth it. So, they are willing to put up with things such as dry mouth, for example, and make sure they have plenty of water on hand, in exchange for living without depression. ## It Takes Time for Antidepressants to Kick In Antidepressants don't work right away. Of course, it depends on the medication and the individual, but benefits can start a few days after taking your first dose. Most will experience some benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn’t considered to technically be a failure unless you have felt no improvement after six weeks on a therapeutic dose. Some medications are introduced at a low dose to allow your body to adjust, and then that dose is slowly titrated upwards. You and your doctor can discuss whether it is realistic to expect benefits before reaching that dosage. ## Social Stigma Still Exists We try to avoid being swayed by stigma when making major life decisions. However, one should be honest with themselves regarding the potential for considerable stigma and self-stigma involved with being on antidepressants and how it may affect their behavior. Some individuals might feel so much ambivalence about taking medication that they skip doses or won’t disclose their use of antidepressants to other providers who may need a complete health history. You also want to be comfortable enough with the idea of taking medications so that you can commit to it for approximately six months, as this is the usual recommendation. ## Some Antidepressants May Not Work For You At times, a medication is either ineffective or doesn’t result in the full desired effect. In this case, you and your doctor can work on a plan that might be a new medication or, in some cases, an additional medication. Currently, there is no great way to predict in advance which medication might work for a given individual with just a standard interview. However, there appears to be a genetic component to antidepressant response. Some companies offer [genetic testing](https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-medications-for-anxiety-2337705), which may be helpful in determining the best choice for you. Your prescriber may also inquire about other relatives with a depression history and what medications worked for them to help guide their prescribing. ## We Don't Really Know Why Antidepressants Work While it is commonly believed by many people that depression is caused by brain chemistry, researchers and doctors now know this is not the case. This theory has been on the decline for years, but a 2022 study demonstrated that there is no reason to believe that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. This does not mean, however, that antidepressants don't help. Instead, it means we don't fully understand precisely why antidepressants relieve symptoms of depression. Depression is complex and can have multiple causes. Because of this, no single treatment works for everyone. Taking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief. Read more: - [Conditions A-Z](https://www.verywellmind.com/conditions-a-z-4797402) - [Depression](https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-4157261) - [Treatment](https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-treatment-4157258) 7 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellmind.com/our-editorial-process-4778006) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. Andrade C. [Relative efficacy and acceptability of antidepressant drugs in adults with major depressive disorder: Commentary on a network meta-analysis](https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.18f12254). J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(2):18f12254. doi:10.4088/JCP.18f12254 2. Malhi GS, Mann JJ. [Depression](https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736%2818%2931948-2). Lancet. 2018;392(10161):2299-2312. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31948-2 3. Köhler-Forsberg O, Stiglbauer V, Brasanac J, et al. [Efficacy and safety of antidepressants in patients with comorbid depression and medical diseases: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2983). JAMA Psychiatry. 2023;80(12):1196-1207. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2983 4. Bałkowiec-Iskra E, Mirowska-Guzel DM, Wielgoś M. [Effect of antidepressants use in pregnancy on foetus development and adverse effects in newborns](https://doi.org/10.5603/GP.a2017.0007). Ginekol Pol. 2017;88(1):36-42. doi:10.5603/GP.a2017.0007 5. Mullish BH, Kabir MS, Thursz MR, Dhar A. [Review article: depression and the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation.](https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.12925) Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(8):880-892. doi:10.1111/apt.12925 6. Rampello L, Battaglia G, Raffaele R, Vecchio I, Alvano A. [Is it safe to use antidepressants after a stroke?](https://doi.org/10.1517/14740338.4.5.885) Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2005;4(5):885-897. doi:10.1517/14740338.4.5.885 7. Moncrieff J, Cooper RE, Stockmann T, Amendola S, Hengartner MP, Horowitz MA. [The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0). Mol Psychiatry. 2022. doi:10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0 ![Margaret Seide]() ![Margaret Seide](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/UppDKEhi9-uWtebGHymtCSjUH5E=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/MegSiede_1000-05e95c743d0b460eaa6610c4839c245c.jpg) By [Margaret Seide, MD](https://www.verywellmind.com/margaret-seide-md-5092014) Margaret Seide, MS, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of depression, addiction, and eating disorders. 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Committing to taking an antidepressant is a significant decision, so it's helpful to research your options and talk to your doctor. - Antidepressants are safe, effective, and can give you the motivation to make other positive lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health. - Be aware that they have side effects, it takes time to see results, and some medications might not be effective. Antidepressants can be an effective tool for treating mental health conditions, but that doesn't mean the decision to take them is always easy. You might be worried about side effects, stigma, or whether the medication will actually help you feel better. Some people worry about becoming dependent, while others are concerned that antidepressants might affect their personality or characteristics. It's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you so you can make an informed choice. ## Are Antidepressants Worth It? If you're considering antidepressants and unsure if they're the right choice, it's important to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you. Pros - Effectiveness - Safety - Improve motivation to enact lifestyle changes Cons - Risk of side effects - Delayed onset (might take time to see results) - Social stigma - Some antidepressants might not work ## Antidepressants Are Effective When a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is compared to a placebo, which has no active ingredients but can cause a response because some patients react to the suggestion of treatment. Medication benefits must exceed the "[placebo effect](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-placebo-effect-2795466)" to be considered effective. Antidepressants are proven to be more effective than a placebo with respect to relieving depressive symptoms and shortening the length of a depressive episode. As these medications have been in use for over 40 years, there is a plethora of information about how they affect the body. Since the 1980s, several large-scale studies have compared these medications against placebo and each other as new ones come on the market. However, very little information is available regarding a hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants. The fact that antidepressants are effective is a significant pro. Depression is a terrible condition involving symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts. A depressive episode can undermine close relationships, interrupt lives, and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors and poor choices. It can severely limit psychosocial functioning and diminish your quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. They project that the disease will rank first by 2030. Remember, the drawbacks of taking an antidepressant must be measured against the drawbacks of remaining depressed. If we only compared the shortcomings of taking a medication to not taking the medication, we would get a biased, incomplete view. ## Antidepressants Are Safe Antidepressants are considered safe. "Safe" refers to: - The risk of overdose - The severity of side effects at the therapeutic (prescribed) dose - Whether the antidepressant has any dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances There are studies demonstrating that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as: - Pregnant women - Organ transplant recipients - Those with active tumors - Those who've recently had a stroke ## Antidepressants Can Help Boost Motivation Lifestyle changes can help manage depressive symptoms. Activities such as exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet are beneficial for mental health. The catch is that a depressed person cannot always get motivated enough to initiate these lifestyle adjustments. Antidepressants can provide a running start to the implementation of a healthier way of living. If someone does exercise their option to take medication, ideally, that will be part of a holistic approach to their wellness that includes self-care and attention to physical health. One doesn’t replace the other. ## Antidepressants Have Side Effects Although antidepressants are safe, they are not free of side effects. A medication can be considered safe even if it has side effects *if* the side effects are not life-threatening and/or go away when the medication is discontinued. This is largely true for antidepressants. A few of the more common side effects of antidepressants include: - Fatigue - Stomach upset - Decreased libido Many people don’t have side effects at all, or the side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. An ongoing open dialogue with your prescriber about your experience is a must, so make sure your concerns are heard from the start. A thoughtful consideration of the side effects of antidepressants can only effectively be done by weighing those side effects against the effect depression has on your life. Some people who have side effects decide that the benefits they are getting from the medication are worth it. So, they are willing to put up with things such as dry mouth, for example, and make sure they have plenty of water on hand, in exchange for living without depression. ## It Takes Time for Antidepressants to Kick In Antidepressants don't work right away. Of course, it depends on the medication and the individual, but benefits can start a few days after taking your first dose. Most will experience some benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn’t considered to technically be a failure unless you have felt no improvement after six weeks on a therapeutic dose. Some medications are introduced at a low dose to allow your body to adjust, and then that dose is slowly titrated upwards. You and your doctor can discuss whether it is realistic to expect benefits before reaching that dosage. ## Social Stigma Still Exists We try to avoid being swayed by stigma when making major life decisions. However, one should be honest with themselves regarding the potential for considerable stigma and self-stigma involved with being on antidepressants and how it may affect their behavior. Some individuals might feel so much ambivalence about taking medication that they skip doses or won’t disclose their use of antidepressants to other providers who may need a complete health history. You also want to be comfortable enough with the idea of taking medications so that you can commit to it for approximately six months, as this is the usual recommendation. ## Some Antidepressants May Not Work For You At times, a medication is either ineffective or doesn’t result in the full desired effect. In this case, you and your doctor can work on a plan that might be a new medication or, in some cases, an additional medication. Currently, there is no great way to predict in advance which medication might work for a given individual with just a standard interview. However, there appears to be a genetic component to antidepressant response. Some companies offer [genetic testing](https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-medications-for-anxiety-2337705), which may be helpful in determining the best choice for you. Your prescriber may also inquire about other relatives with a depression history and what medications worked for them to help guide their prescribing. ## We Don't Really Know Why Antidepressants Work While it is commonly believed by many people that depression is caused by brain chemistry, researchers and doctors now know this is not the case. This theory has been on the decline for years, but a 2022 study demonstrated that there is no reason to believe that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. This does not mean, however, that antidepressants don't help. Instead, it means we don't fully understand precisely why antidepressants relieve symptoms of depression. Depression is complex and can have multiple causes. Because of this, no single treatment works for everyone. Taking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief.
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