Posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2006, at 18:37:28
In reply to How Long is a Fair Trial for an AD? Please Advise, posted by Tom Twilight on April 16, 2006, at 16:21:19
Hi Tom,
In the treatment of depressive illness, I would not recommend continuing an antidepressant if there had been *no* benefit after 6 *weeks* at a *reasonable dose*.
If there had been *no benefit at all* after 4 weeks (at a high dose), I would consider trying a different medication. If there had been some benefit, waiting a couple more weeks could be a good idea.
In the treatment of anxiety, response to ADs can take longer. 8 weeks at an appropriate dose may be required to obtain substantial benefit.
In the treatment of OCD, up to 12 weeks at a *high* dose of an SSRI may be necessary to assess the benefit.
>My GP told me that I have to be on an AD for over six months (preferably longer!) to know whether it will work or not
That sounds dumb to me. UK docs tend to say things like this because they can't think of anything else to prescribe. Of course, if you wait long enough, many people will spontaneously get better! :)
>I would have thought that twelve weeks at Max dosage would be sufficient?
Definitely. Waiting longer than 12 weeks would not be appropriate in your case. I am certain of that.
Warm regards
Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:633904
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060412/msgs/633928.html