Not every antidepressant works the same for every person. This tool helps you understand your options — so you can talk to your doctor with confidence.
Publication This Tool Is Built On
1
Cipriani A, Barros Parron Fernandes K, Mulsant BH, et al; PETRUSHKA Team. A decision-support system to personalize antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2026;335(14):1219–1231. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.1327
RCT · 47 Sites · Brazil, Canada, UK · N=520 The PETRUSHKA trial — the first randomized trial showing that matching antidepressants to individual side-effect preferences reduces early stopping by 40%.
1 in 4
people stop their antidepressant within 8 weeks — often because of side effects.
When the medicine is matched to what you care about, that drops to 1 in 6.
What this tool does: Asks about your symptoms and which side effects you most want to avoid. Then gives you plain-language information to bring to your doctor — based on evidence from a major clinical trial published in JAMA in 2026.
What it doesn't do: It doesn't replace your doctor. It makes your appointment more useful.
Takes about 3 minutes. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Question 1 of 5
How long have you been dealing with depression?
This helps us give you the most relevant information.
🌱This is new for me — I haven't taken antidepressants before
🔄I've tried one antidepressant but had to stop
📋I've tried two or more — still looking for the right one
💊I'm on one now and thinking about switching
Question 2 of 5
How much is depression affecting your daily life right now?
Be as honest as you can — there are no right or wrong answers.
😔Some days are hard — but I'm mostly managing
😞Quite a lot — it's affecting my work, relationships, or daily routine
😶Very much — I'm struggling with basic things most days
Question 3 of 5
Do you also feel a lot of anxiety?
Two out of three people in this study had significant anxiety alongside their depression. It can affect which medicine works best.
😰Yes — worry, nervousness, or tension are a big part of how I feel
😟Some anxiety, but depression feels like the bigger problem
😐Mostly just depression — not much anxiety
Question 4 of 5
Which side effects would bother you most?
Pick up to 3. The percentages show how often each side effect happens across different medicines.
😴Daytime sleepiness
4%–23% of people
🤕Headaches
9%–26% of people
🚽Stomach upset / diarrhoea
3%–17% of people
💧Dry mouth
8%–42% of people
⚖️Weight / appetite changes
Varies by drug
💊Constipation
4%–16% of people
🌀Dizziness
Varies by drug
💑Sexual problems
Up to 40% on some drugs
Question 5 of 5
Which matters most to you?
Drag to put the side effect you most want to avoid at the top.
👆 Drag items to reorder — #1 = your biggest concern
💡
Here's what we found for you
What the research says
📊 Why personalizing your medicine matters
Your top concern: avoiding
What to keep in mind
⏱ These medicines take time to work
Most antidepressants need 4 to 6 weeks before you feel a real difference. Many people feel some side effects before they feel better — and stopping too early is one of the main reasons treatment doesn't work. That's exactly what this research is trying to prevent.
🔬 What happened in the clinical trial
💬 Things to say to your doctor
Based on: Cipriani A, Barros Parron Fernandes K, Mulsant BH, et al. A decision-support system to personalize antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2026;335(14):1219–1231. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.1327
Conducted at 47 sites in Brazil, Canada, and the UK. 520 adults with depression participated. The personalized approach reduced early stopping from 27% to 17% at 8 weeks.
This tool provides general information based on a published medical study. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from your doctor or prescriber. All treatment decisions should be made with your healthcare provider.