Information provided in the “Ask the Doctors” column is not meant to take the place of individual consultation with a qualified health care provider. See your health care provider to discuss specific questions about your health, medication and treatment plan.

Question: If you’ve been on the same medication for many years, can it stop working?

David Kupfer, M.D.: When things change in the human body, due to the aging or development process, it might cause medication to work differently. If someone has another medical illness, the illness itself or the medications used to treat it can interact with medications for depression or bipolar disorder. All these things can lead to a change in how you respond to your medication. Be sure all of your health care providers, including your psychiatrist, are aware of any kinds of physical changes or illnesses you are experiencing, and all medications or supplements you are taking.

Joseph Calabrese, M.D.: When a medication stops working, it may be because early signs of the illness come back and get ignored. So never ignore little symptoms. Let your doctors know as soon as you notice them. With an illness like cancer, a little tumor gets just as much attention as a large tumor. The same should be true with mood disorder symptoms. When you notice early signs of relapse, you and your doctor can take action early to prevent your medication from losing its effectiveness.

Joseph Calabrese, M.D. is Professor of Psychiatry and Director, Center for Intervention and Services Research in Bipolar Disorder Across the Life Span at the University Hospital of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University. Both are members of DBSA's Scientific Advisory Board.