If you take an antidepressant, it is reasonable to ask questions about other products you are considering. Bring those questions to your prescriber or pharmacist before adding a herb or supplement. Herbal remedies can interact with prescribed medicines. Healthdirect — Antidepressants.
Start with a complete list
Write down your prescription medicines, medicines bought without a prescription, vitamins, herbal products and anything you take occasionally. Bring the packaging or clear photographs of the labels.
You can ask:
- Is there a known interaction with my medicine?
- What evidence supports this particular product for my situation?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Who will review any changes, and when?
Herbal medicines can cause unwanted effects even when described as natural. Better Health Channel — Herbal medicine. Evidence also needs to be assessed for the particular complementary medicine and its intended use. NHMRC — Complementary medicines.
If your current treatment is not helping enough
Talk with the clinician who prescribed it. Antidepressants can take time to work, and your doctor can review ongoing symptoms, side effects and other care options. Do not stop suddenly or reduce your dose yourself: withdrawal symptoms can occur, and any change needs a plan with your prescriber. Healthdirect — Antidepressants.
A useful appointment note might say: “These are the changes I have noticed, these side effects concern me, and this is what I hoped treatment would help with.” There is no need to decide on the solution before the conversation.
Keep emotional support in the picture
Talking therapies and other care may be used alongside medicines, depending on your needs. Your GP can help you explore the options. Healthdirect — Antidepressants.
Our article on loss, low mood and support offers questions for that conversation.
If you are at immediate risk of suicide, call 000. To talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Healthdirect — Antidepressants.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Clinical sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify the advertised appointment menu.
- Healthdirect — Antidepressants — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Better Health Channel — Herbal medicine — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- NHMRC — Complementary medicines — Australian evidence-evaluation guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
