Antidepressant prescribing : Key messages for patients NICE

When prescribing antidepressants, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends conveying several key messages to patients to ensure they are fully informed about their treatment. Here is a brief introduction to those key messages:

Information Topic	Description	Rationale
Initial Effects of Medication	Information on possible effects when starting antidepressants, like nausea or anxiety.	To prepare the patient for initial side effects and reassure them that these are common and usually temporary.
Timeframe for Effectiveness	Antidepressants typically show effects within 4 weeks.	To set realistic expectations for treatment response and encourage adherence to medication.
Timing of First Review	• Usually within 2 weeks for general monitoring, or • 1 week for individuals aged 18-25 or those at risk of suicide.	To assess improvement in symptoms, side effects, and any suicidal thoughts, especially in higher-risk groups.
Medication Adherence	Importance of following instructions (e.g., time of day, avoiding alcohol).	To maximize the effectiveness of the medication and reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Regular Monitoring	Information on the frequency of review appointments.	To manage side effects, adjust dosages if necessary, and monitor overall progress.
Self-Monitoring of Symptoms	Encouraging patients to track their symptoms.	To engage patients in their treatment, helping...

Try our Free Plan to get the full article.