A GP has revealed what she wishes more people knew about antidepressants. The common medicine is often prescribed to treat conditions such as clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr Shireen shared an informative video about antidepressants on her TikTok account under the username @Doctorshireen. In the post, the GP spoke about finding the right treatment for each patient, and she urged people to return to their doctor if they don't feel any benefit after trying antidepressants.

She explained: "I'm an GP, and there are some things about antidepressants that I wish everybody knew. Now, a lot of people complain that their GP just throws tablets at them and doesn't give them any guidance or information.

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"The first thing I want you to know is that antidepressants aren't for everybody. Some people respond really well to them, some people don't find them effective, and that is okay. There are other ways we can treat mood disorders, not just with antidepressants, so it's always worth going back to your GP if the antidepressants haven't worked."

Dr Shireen added: "The second thing is antidepressants need time to work. You need to be on them for a minimum of six months. There are some patients I know who have been on them for years on the same dose, and they're really stable, but if you're not going to give them the full six months to work, you can't say for sure that they haven't worked for you.

"The other thing that's so important is that people's mood often gets worse before it gets better in the first two to four weeks of starting antidepressants. This is why when we give antidepressants, we always ask you to come back or call back or to have some form of a review within two weeks of starting them, but obviously, if you do feel worse before those two weeks are even up, just stop them and speak to your GP."

She concluded: "I have seen hundreds of patients over the years on antidepressants, and antidepressants have really helped them. As I said, they're not for everybody; it's worth having a discussion with your GP to see if they'll help you."

You can find advice about antidepressants and other treatments for depression on The NHS explains: "Antidepressants usually need to be taken for 1 or 2 weeks (without missing a dose) before the benefit starts to be felt. It's important not to stop taking them if you get some mild side effects early on, as these effects usually wear off quickly.

"If you take an antidepressant for 4 weeks without feeling any benefit, speak to your GP or mental health specialist. They may recommend increasing your dose or trying a different medicine. A course of treatment usually lasts for at least 6 months after you start to feel better. Some people with recurrent depression may be advised to take them indefinitely."

Depression is often treated using lifestyle changes, medicine, and talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). For some people, sharing their experiences in a support group could also be worthwhile.

If you're feeling unwell, it's crucial to consult your GP. also provides guidance for those seeking assistance with mental health issues.