[ranae1221]

medication works differently for everyone, so it is possible that you felt positive effects right away, whereas it may take longer for someone else. it typically takes 6-8 weeks for the max effect to be felt and the levels in your blood to "normalize".

i don't think there is a blood test to check if the medication is working. it sure would be nice if there was, then it wouldn't be such a trial and error process to find what works. Doctors usually take a detailed history, finding out what your symptoms are (i.e. do you suffer more from anxiety? insomnia? etc), and often will take a family history to see if there is a history of mental illness/depression, and if so what treatment worked for them. I know my doc tried Zoloft first for me because it had worked well for my mom (it didn't work for me).

the length of time depends. some only need it for a few months, a few years, some (like me) need it all their lives. only you and your doctor can make that determination.

you mention you are the sole caregiver for your mom. does she qualify for any extra help in the home? i am a case manager for elderly and disabled persons in arizona, and before that did social work in a nursing home. i also was the sole caregiver for my roomate/surrogate mom untill she passed away almost 6 months ago.

do you have any kind of support? do you attend any kind of support groups? do you belong to any online? i also belong to a really awesome caregiver group online and it has been extremly helpful.