My
Role
Don't hesitate to ask questions and to ask for help when you need it
Taking an active role in your treatment can help you get the best care possible from your healthcare professional.
Stay connected
with yourself
with yourself
- Tracking your symptoms (using the symptom tracker available here).
- Making healthy lifestyle choices (exercising, eating healthy foods).
- Using self-help books.
- Connecting with support groups for depression across Canada.
Talk to your healthcare professional
Establishing good communication with your healthcare professional (general practitioner, psychiatrist, pharmacist or nurse) is important for your care. And as with any good relationship, it should be built on trust.
Having a voice during your treatment isn’t always easy. You’ll need to work on speaking clearly and in an informed way with your healthcare professional, which will take some time and effort.
Here are some key tips to consider for your next appointment:- Be open and honest with your healthcare professional.
- Clearly describe all of your symptoms.
- Ask questions about your disease and your treatment.
- Take notes so you can refer to them later.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for more time with your healthcare professional.
A good place to start is by preparing for appointments with your healthcare professional.
Prepare for your
next appointment
next appointment
To play an active part in the conversation with your healthcare professional, you can:
My symptom tracker- Discuss your symptoms using the symptom tracker (download below).
- Ask any questions you may have thought about, such as:
- When will I feel that the treatment has started working?
- What self-help groups and support groups are available?
- How else can I manage my depression?
- Should I get a blood test?
- What if I want to become pregnant?
- What if I need to breastfeed?
Download and print this tool so you can fill it out and bring along to your next healthcare professional appointment.
Why was I prescribed an additional medication for my depression?
You have been prescribed an additional medication (called an adjunct) because you have had an inadequate response to your antidepressant. This means that not all your symptoms have been resolved.
I learned that PrREXULTI® belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Why was I prescribed an antipsychotic medication for my depression?
Illnesses that affect the brain, like depression, may be due to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that allow nerve cells to talk to each other. These imbalances may cause some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. Medications called antipsychotics affect the neurotransmitters that may be out of balance in depression. Exactly how REXULTI works is unknown, but it seems that REXULTI corrects the balance of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in your body.
Of course, speaking with your healthcare professional will also help you understand why this class of drug has been chosen for you, and how it can help with your treatment.
How long can I expect to take REXULTI?
Together, you and your healthcare professional will decide on the length of your treatment – based on their evaluation of your condition. Make sure to discuss this topic with your healthcare professional.
Your healthcare professional will periodically reassess your need to continue REXULTI.
Should I stop taking my antidepressant now that I am prescribed REXULTI?
No. You should not stop taking your medication because REXULTI is meant to be used together with antidepressants.
Should I continue both medications (the antidepressant and REXULTI) if my symptoms have improved?
Yes. You should never stop taking your medication on your own and you should take REXULTI exactly as your healthcare professional advises you to take it.
Your healthcare professional will reassess your treatment plan and your need to continue REXULTI at regular intervals.
Can I stop taking REXULTI on my own?
No. You should never stop taking your medication for depression or REXULTI on your own. Together, you and your healthcare professional will decide on the length of your treatment, based on their evaluation of your condition.
What can I do to help manage my depression?
You can take an active role in your treatment journey by establishing good communication with your healthcare professional, tracking your symptoms and making healthy lifestyle choices.