Antidepressants: Selecting One That's Right for You

Many Americans find themselves daunted by the many choices in antidepressants. With some persistence however, you and your doctor should find one that works well for you. The payoff: You can enjoy life more fully again.

Antidepressants are often the first treatment choice for adults with moderate or severe depression. Although antidepressant medications don't cure depression, they can help you achieve remission — the disappearance or nearly complete reduction of symptoms. Sadness, anxiety, depression-related sleep and appetite problems, concentration, and energy levels all can improve with antidepressant medications.

With scores of antidepressants available, though, finding the right one for your situation can be challenging. Understanding what a treatment plan entails and what goes into determining the right medication for you will help you sort through your options.

Click here to learn how antidepressants work, the different types that are available, and how they can work for you.