Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Doctor appointments can be rushed, and you may forget to bring up topics that are important to you. One way to make the most out of your visit is to make a list of questions beforehand and then check them off as you and your doctor talk.
Here are some sample questions to get you started.
After you describe your symptoms, ask:
- Do you think I have depression?
- Could my depression be triggered by some other medical condition, or by medications I'm currently taking?
If your doctor diagnoses depression, ask:
- Can you treat my depression, or do I need to see a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist? If so, can you recommend someone?
- Do I need counseling? If so, can you recommend someone?
- What is talk therapy, and how will I know if it's working?
- Are there any self-help strategies or lifestyle changes you'd recommend?
If your doctor prescribes Cymbalta or any other medication, ask:
- What are the benefits of taking this medication? How effective is it?
- When will the medication start working? How will I know if it's working?
- What will it feel like to be on this medication? Will I feel like myself? Will other people notice a difference?
- Is this medication safe? Can I become addicted to it?
- What are the side effects? Will they go away over time? What should I do if I experience them?
- How long will I need to take this medication? Will I be able to stop taking it eventually?
- Should I avoid certain things (eg, other medications, alcohol) or particular foods while I'm taking this drug?
- What if it doesn't work? Is there something else I can do?
- Will this medication take care of my depression symptoms?
- Can this medication change my personality?
- If I take this medication, will my depression ever come back?
Learn more about Cymbalta and how it works.
