1. Antidepressant is a serious medication and it should be prescribed to you by your doctor. You should not try to choose antidepressant yourself even if you feel you know what to take;

2. Antidepressant is prescribed to you only with all your organism peculiarities taken in consideration. You must not share your medication with anyone, even if you think that someone’s symptoms are identical or similar to yours.

3. Antidepressants are not tranquilizers and they can not cause an addiction. You will not have to increase the dose to obtain the same effect as time passes and you will not long for them after you finish the course of treatment. However you should not take them for longer than you are advised to.

4. You should not drink alcohol when you are taking antidepressants because even a small amount of alcohol can have a strong negative effect on your health and your situation can get worse;

5. Some antidepressants can increase the risk of accident if you drive. It happens due to their side effects such as feeling sleepy and slowing down your reactions. Besides, antidepressants impact your ability to concentrate, so ask a doctor if you are allowed to operate machinery;

6. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid taking antidepressants because it can increase the risk of baby’s malformation and can also lead to serious problems with mother’s health. If you are pregnant you’d better use alternative methods of treatment such as herbal therapy or medical counseling;

7. Mothers who use breastfeeding should also try to use alternative methods of treatment but if they experience grave post-natal depression they can refer to antidepressants. They are normally not harmful for infants, but in any case it is necessary to address a doctor.

8. Keep in touch with your doctor during your course of treatment, especially in some first weeks of taking the medication. Some antidepressants demand gradual increase of the dosage to be effective and if you forget it/neglect it your treatment will be in vain;

9. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects especially if they are too annoying for you. In this case doctor can prescribe you some other antidepressants, which are more suitable for you;

10. Don’t forget that medications should be taken regularly, because if you don’t take them – they don’t work;

11. Don’t expect immediate action – some time should pass before antidepressant effect is visible (usually from one to six weeks);

12. If you have a temptation to take more antidepressant than you should ask someone to keep it and give it to you only when necessary;

13. Keep your medication out of the reach of children.