What Happens If an Antidepressant Isn’t Working?
- Pine Ridge Mental Healthcare
- Jan 1
- 1 min read
January 1, 2026
If an antidepressant isn’t working, it does not mean treatment has failed. Psychiatric care often involves adjusting dosage, switching medications, or exploring additional treatment options based on how your body responds.
Why Antidepressants Don’t Always Work Right Away
Reasons a medication may not be effective include:
Insufficient dosage
Not enough time on the medication
Side effects limiting effectiveness
Incorrect medication for the specific condition
Response varies widely between individuals.
What Are the Next Steps?
A psychiatric provider may recommend:
Adjusting the dose
Switching to a different medication
Adding a complementary medication
Incorporating therapy or lifestyle changes
Exploring advanced treatments such as Spravato for treatment-resistant depression
How Long Should You Try a Medication?
Most antidepressants require several weeks before full effects are seen. Changes should always be guided by a psychiatric clinician.
Treatment-Resistant Depression Options
For patients who have tried multiple medications without improvement, advanced options like Spravato (esketamine) or Ketamine may be considered under medical supervision.
Support at Pine Ridge Mental Healthcare
Pine Ridge Mental Healthcare specializes in personalized psychiatric care, including treatment-resistant depression management. Providers work closely with patients to adjust treatment safely and effectively through in-person and telepsychiatry services in Oklahoma.