How long you'll need to take the medicine depends on your depression. Usually it is best to take medicine for at least 6 months. Don't stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor first. People with depression sometimes think about suicide. This thinking is a common part of the depression.
Thoughts of suicide go away after the depression is treated.
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Visit familydoctor.org for more useful information on this and many other health-related topics. Permission is granted to reproduce this material for nonprofit educational purposes. Written permission is required for other uses, including electronic uses.