Back to Answers

Antidepressants: Can they stop working?

When depression symptoms improve after starting an antidepressant, many people need to continue taking medication long term to prevent symptoms from returning.

However, in some people, a particular antidepressant may simply stop working over time. Doctors don’t fully understand what causes the so-called “poop-out” effect or antidepressant tolerance — known as tachyphylaxis — or why it occurs in some people and not in others.

There also can be other reasons an antidepressant is no longer working for you, such as:

In most cases, depression symptoms get better with adjustments to medication. Your doctor may recommend that you change the dose of your current antidepressant, change to another antidepressant or add another antidepressant or other type of medication to your current treatment. Psychological counseling (psychotherapy) also may help.

Because there are so many reasons depression treatment can stop working, you may need to see a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness (psychiatrist) to figure out the best course of action.

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

We Make Health Possible

As East Central Indiana’s population grows, we’re putting health care where people need it most. Besides Hancock Regional Hospital, ranked as one of the nation’s safest by the Lown Hospital Index, our network includes more than 30 other locations near your home or work.

Learn More about Hancock