antidepressants

Meet with a licensed provider to explore if antidepressant medication may be right for you.

Treatment for:
depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What do antidepressants do & how do they work?

Antidepressants are a type of prescription medication used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma. There are many types of antidepressant medications — including SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs — that are thought to work by interacting with the brain chemicals associated with depression.

What are antidepressants used for?

Antidepressants have broad use, meaning your provider may recommend an antidepressant medication for a variety of mental health conditions. While they don't cure depression or anxiety, antidepressants can be effective at reducing symptoms like lack of energy and feelings of sadness.

Do antidepressants cause weight gain or loss?

Antidepressants may cause initial or long-term side effects, including weight changes. If weight loss or gain is a concern for you, be sure to discuss this with your provider.

What are potential first week and long-term effects side effects?

Antidepressants can have initial side effects that occur within the first few days or weeks. These usually resolve, but may reoccur with dosage changes. Long-term side effects can also occur, which last for the duration of the time you take the medication. These side effects will vary from medication to medication.

How do antidepressants make you feel?

The goal of taking an antidepressant medication is to help reduce the severity and frequency of your depression symptoms. They will not change your personality and can help you feel like yourself again, including regaining interest in activities you enjoy and feeling more hopeful. If you begin to feel worse after taking an antidepressant, talk with your provider immediately.

Can you drink alcohol while using antidepressants?

For some medications, using alcohol while taking them can make you feel more intoxicated, can increase medication side effects, and can make you feel unwell the following day. For other antidepressants, using alcohol at the same time can be life-threatening. Overall, drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants is generally not advised.

How long will I have to be on antidepressants?

Your course of treatment will be unique to your situation — some people take antidepressants for just a few months while others may stay on them for several years. If you start feeling better, discuss next steps and your long-term goals with your provider. Do not stop taking your medication without oversight and guidance from a medical professional.

What if my antidepressants are not working?

If you don't feel like the antidepressant you've been prescribed is alleviating your symptoms, have a conversation with you provider. The medication may need more time to work, you may benefit from a higher dose, or another medication may be a better fit for you.

How long does it take for an antidepressant to start working?

It's common for it to take between 4 and 8 weeks for a new antidepressant medication to be fully effective. For some people, symptoms may improve as quickly as 1-2 weeks after beginning an antidepressant.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published September 27, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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