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How long to try anti-depressants before switching?

Page last modified on: September 3, 2008

Question from LaLa: In the trial and error of trying anti-depressants, how long is long enough to try one before deciding to switch?: Answers —Debra Thaler-DeMers, R.N., O.C.N., P.H.N.: The answer to this question depends on the individual, which anti-depressant is being tried, and the reasons the anti-depressant is being used—whether it's strictly for depression, to increase libido, or to deal with hot flashes. Some anti-depressants take 2-3 weeks to build up a blood level that will give you relief of your symptoms. Using your own physician to help you make a decision, I would suggest that you give the medication at least 2-3 weeks and perhaps longer.; Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Two to three weeks are a minimum. Sometimes the sexual side effects may be better after the first month or two of taking the medication.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: In my experience in helping women manage the loss of libido, we might even try a few things at the same time: for example, an anti-depressant, a lot more lubrication, sexy music, a few candles, and leopard underwear.; Debra Thaler-DeMers, R.N., O.C.N., P.H.N.: Some cancer survivors find that it is helpful to watch suggestive videos, read erotic literature, either alone or with their partner, or to peruse sex books, such as The Joy of Sex or The Kama Sutra. Videos and books, as well as sex toys, are available from web sites such as www.babeland.com, and www.goodvibes.com in California. These things are usually shipped in plain wrappers so your mailman and neighbors need not know what's coming to your home.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: Make sure that you write your address very clearly on the order form so that there is almost no chance of a mis-delivery.; Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: The main thing is to have something erotic in your mind during love-making, whether it's a good memory, a fantasy or something you just saw in a movie.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2002, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy, Sex and Your Love Life. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., Debra Thaler-DeMers, R.N., O.C.N., P.H.N., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to improve your sex life during and after breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Debra Thaler-DeMers, R.N., O.C.N., P.H.N. is a hematology-oncology nurse at the Peterson Cancer Center of the Stanford Hospital in Stanford, California, and President of Cancer ACCESS, an advocacy and counseling organization for people affected by cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.