Before your first appointment, write down the history of your illness: v  When did you first feel like this? v  How long did it last? v  Was it triggered by some event? v  Were you treated before? v  What medications, What dosages, Did they work, etc.? Write down any medications you are currently taking and the dosage, including over-the-counter preparations.   Also list medications you have taken in the past. Be honest about any alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs used.   Start a list of questions you want to ask the doctor. Add to it as you think of things you want to say or find out at your next appointment. Then take that paper with you when you go to see him/her.   Bring pen and paper to write down the things the doctor tells you, since memory and concentration may be faulty at this time.   When the doctor gives you a prescription, ask about the potential side effects, if they will lessen, and how long before the medication is expected to produce results.   Be patient since some medications can take several weeks to work, but almost nothing should take longer than 8 weeks. If no improvement is felt by then, insist that your doctor put you on a different medication or give you a good reason why not.   Ask how this medication might interact with any other medications you take, and any food or drink you should avoid. Do not get out of your chair until all your questions are answered to your satisfaction.   Don’t be intimidated - she/he is your doctor and it is YOUR body chemistry your doctor is being paid to stabilize. If you have any bad reaction to the medication, do not hesitate to call the doctor, day or night.