title: Optimal antidepressant dosing. Practical framework for selection, titration, and duration of therapy.
abstract: Appropriate antidepressant dosing and trial duration are crucial for successful treatment of depression. Before prescribing an antidepressant, primary care physicians should take into account each patient's history, responses to previous antidepressants, depressive symptoms, coexisting illnesses, and current prescriptions. Physicians must be able to help patients manage side effects and know when to discontinue treatment, switch antidepressants, or refer patients to a psychiatrist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, West Suburban Medical Center, Oak Park, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Witek
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hurwitz
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011570:Psychiatry; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents