How to cope with side effects of medication

[CJmay]

Hello have just started antidepressants for anxiety/panic . I have one week off work and worried about how I will even get to work with the side effects, nausea, tired, weak, sluggish , hard to get up . Single mum with three kids. Does it get better with time?? I’m on Day 3 and only taking half.

[smallwolf]

Medications can have different length of time for the body to get used to. It can get easier over time. With the 1st lot of medication I was on ... when I had a follow up with my psychiatrist I told her about the various side effects as was taken off them. I would suggest you either keep notes of how you are coping or contact the person that prescribed the medication on how you are feeling. It is better to ask and talk through these matter than guessing.

[Chris o]

Hi Cjmay,

some medication can take up to 2 weeks to start working. When I started on meds 1 month ago, first week there was no change. 2nd week into meds I was a new person.

everyone is different and it sounds like you are on the right track. meds were only part of my recovery and other strategies can help too (like this forum).

[Guest_4643]

Hi CJmay. Please know we are not professionals here, so you would be best discussing any issues with side effects, questions, etc. with a professional.

However, we can tell you that antidepressants, depending on the type (such as SSRI) take up to a month to work, but it depends on the dosage, the actual antidepressant, the person, if you're tolerating it, etc.

You won't see much or any difference after 3 days, especially taking half.

Best of luck though, I hope you find some antidepressants that work for you. It's hard, but you have to be patient.

Please discuss any concerns with a professional also.

[CJmay]

That is reassuring thank you