Why does my doctor keep changing the dose of my mood disorder medication?

Doctors usually start patients on low dosages of medications so that the body has time to adjust. At the beginning of treatment, the doctor will explain the beginning dose and how the amount will rise or "step up" gradually over the coming months. During this period, your doctor will require that you meet with him regularly so that he can monitor your dosage, mood and any side effects. While there are some "typical" dosage standards, interestingly, some people respond well to low dosages; others require much higher dosages. While this period can be frustrating, take heart in the fact that the tinkering going on now will most likely set you up for a lifetime of the effective treatment.