Antidepressant selection matches medication class to symptom profile, comorbidities, and side-effect priorities: SSRIs for most depression and anxiety presentations, SNRIs for depression with pain or fatigue, bupropion for atypical depression and sexual side-effect concerns, mirtazapine for insomnia and appetite, MAOIs for treatment-resistant cases. Dr. Farkas uses the PHQ-9 to measure response objectively.
↑ Medication classes & protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the right antidepressant chosen?
Selection considers symptom profile (activation vs sedation), comorbidities (anxiety, insomnia, pain), tolerability priorities (sexual side effects, weight, GI), prior response, and drug interactions. STAR*D data show any single antidepressant produces remission in about one-third of patients — matching drug to patient matters.
What are MAOIs?
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors — an older class of antidepressants effective for atypical and treatment-resistant depression. They require dietary tyramine restriction and careful attention to drug interactions but remain valuable options in expert hands.
How long should I stay on an antidepressant?
For a first depressive episode, typically 9–12 months after remission. For recurrent depression, longer maintenance is often indicated. Discontinuation is planned and gradual.
Related pages
Antidepressant
Medications
SSRIs, SNRIs, atypicals, TCAs, and MAOIs — each class works through a different neurochemical mechanism. Dr. Farkas selects based on mechanism, your history, side-effect profile, and what has or hasn't worked before.
How Dr. Farkas approaches
Medications
Evidence-based, neurobiologically-informed. Every prescribing decision is grounded in mechanism — not tradition or trial-and-error.
From evaluation to
lasting results
Antidepressants is used to treat
these conditions
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What to expect at
your first appointment
New patient evaluations are 30–60 minutes — never a rushed intake. Dr. Farkas takes your full psychiatric, medical, and medication history before making any prescribing decisions. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan that makes sense to you, and a follow-up already scheduled.
Telehealth available throughout South Carolina, New York, and Virginia. In-person at our Hilton Head Island, SC office.
Ready for prescribing done
at the MD/PhD level?
30–60 minutes. Expert diagnosis. A treatment plan built around your specific neurobiology and goals.