Preparing for Patient Consultation
Despite the fact that many people are treated for depression with antidepressant medications each year, patients still have a lot of misconceptions and concerns about side effects. Now that you are equipped with information about specific medications, doses, side-effects, and expected results, you can focus on effective ways of sharing that knowledge with your patients.

Patients who are informed and feel like they are part of the treatment process are more likely to adhere to the therapy. Thus, it is important to share the decision process with your patient when considering treatment options. In addition, it is important to educate patients about what to expect when taking an antidepressant.

You should review the following aspects about antidepressant therapy with your patients:

•  Benefits may be slow to appear, and some symptoms may be relieved quicker than others.
•  The goals include both short-term symptom management and longer-term prevention of relapse.
•  Side effects are frequently worse early in treatment, but usually improve.
•  Antidepressants are not effective unless taken regularly.
•  Consult with your clinician before stopping the medication.