Medication Management: 5 Benefits of Finding the Right Antidepressant for You

Finding the right antidepressant is a long journey of trial and error, but with professional guidance, you can zero in on the best treatment for you and prevent unnecessary setbacks. 

At Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, Drew Pittman, PMHNP, uses medication management to help patients in Massachusetts, Colorado, Ohio, and Florida find the right antidepressant for their unique needs. His expertise, combined with advanced approaches like genetic testing, gives you the peace of mind of thorough care and a personalized treatment plan.

Here’s why finding the right antidepressant can make all the difference and how medication management can streamline the experience.

Why is it so hard to find the right antidepressant?

Selecting the right antidepressant is challenging because no single medication works the same way for everyone. Several factors could influence your response, including your symptoms, family history, current medications, and genetic makeup. To put it simply, antidepressants aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

While trying various antidepressants, many people experience frustrating side effects or find that their prescribed medication doesn’t work at all. 

Drew uses a combination of methods, including genetic testing, to better understand how your body is likely to respond to specific antidepressants before you try them. Genetic testing minimizes the guesswork and decreases the likelihood of complications.

How do you know when your antidepressant is “right”?

The right antidepressant strikes a balance — it alleviates your symptoms while minimizing or eliminating unpleasant side effects. While some people notice improvements within a few weeks, others may need longer to experience the full benefits. 

Here are some signs your antidepressant is working for you:

• You feel more stable and are better able to manage your daily responsibilities 
• You no longer experience the physical and emotional symptoms of depression 
• Side effects, if any, are manageable and don’t interfere with your life 

Routine check-ins with Drew are necessary. During these appointments, we evaluate how well your medication is working and ensure that your mental health continues to improve. 

What happens when you find the right antidepressant?

When you finally find the right antidepressant, the results can be life-changing. For many patients, the best way to put it is that you feel like yourself again for the first time in years. You can expect to have:

• Better clarity
• Mood stability
• The ability to more actively participate in your personal and professional life 

Once you’ve found the right fit, our medication management program ensures that these benefits last and evolve with your needs over time. 

The benefits of a medication management approach 

The Sound Psychiatry and Wellness medication management approach streamlines and personalizes your search for the right antidepressant. Here are five key benefits: 

1. Prevents drug interactions 

If you’re taking multiple medications, your antidepressant may not interact well with them. 

With medication management, Drew carefully assesses all medications you’re taking — including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements — to ensure there are no dangerous interactions. 

2. Decreases side effects 

Common antidepressant side effects like nausea, fatigue, or weight gain can discourage many patients from staying on their medication. 

Medication management includes dose monitoring, adjustments, and recommending specific medications that are less likely to trigger these side effects while still treating your symptoms. 

3. Incorporates genetic testing 

Sound Psychiatry and Wellness uses advanced testing to tailor medication options to your genetic profile. 

Genetic testing identifies how your body processes different medications, enabling Drew to select an antidepressant that’s more likely to work for you and less likely to cause unpleasant side effects. 

4. Promotes consistent monitoring 

Routine follow-ups allow Drew to assess how well your medication works over time. If your antidepressant stops being as effective — a common occurrence with some forms of medication — he can adjust your prescription or add complementary treatments. 

5. Gets you back to feeling like yourself faster 

The trial-and-error process of self-managing antidepressants can take months or even years with unpredictable results. 

Professional medication management makes the process faster, more precise, and highly supportive. 

Medication management no matter where you are 

If you can’t visit in person, Drew’s telepsychiatry practice makes expert mental healthcare accessible from the comfort of your home in Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida, and Ohio.

Don’t leave your mental health to guesswork. Call or click to schedule your medication management appointment with Sound Psychiatry and Wellness today to take the first step toward finding the right antidepressant for you.