Statistically, most antidepressants have a similar level of effectiveness. However, a medication that works for someone else might not work for you. Doctors choose antidepressants based on your family history and the match between your symptoms and the medication's side effects. For example, if you have insomnia, a sedating antidepressant may help you. But if you're lethargic, then a more energizing antidepressant may be more helpful.
Most antidepressants are slow to work.
You may see a response in 2 weeks, but many people don't see a full benefit for 6 to 8 weeks. If your response to medication isn't resulting in satisfactory progress after 6 to 8 weeks, your doctor may suggest either adding another antidepressant or replacing the first medication with another drug from a different chemical family. Prolonged psychotherapy is seldom necessary. The success of therapy depends on finding a physician you're comfortable with. Both medications and psychotherapy can take 4 to 8 weeks to have an effect.