what does it feel like when meds start working?

[Amy_G]

I recently started on my third AD, I tried two SSRIs before but they didn't do anything, so now I'm trying an SNRI.

My problem is that I don't know how I'm supposed to know when one starts working? What does it feel like?

And is it possible that I won't really notice it, like if it was gradual?

I'm just worried that I won't be able to see that one is working and that I'll just keep trying new meds forever...

 - Amy G

[geoff]

dear Amy, that's a very good question, but everyone is different but when it happened with me I felt it when I got out of bed, and by saying this it wasn't like turning on a light switch, that is it wasn't the full effect but I certainly felt so much better.

Maybe by saying that I went to bed being depressed, but when I woke up I felt much better and that I was not carrying the world on my shoulders.

Others maybe different, just as it could happen with you. L Geoff. x

[HA1]

Great question Amy

the truth is that I have asked myself that question on so many occasions.  I don't know if it is working - or at least that is what I think.  But I guess ultimately, if there is even a slight change in your mood over time, then it may just be working.

k

[MisterM]

Hi Amy G,

I used to always feel on edge, wake up feeling depressed and dreading the day and hating my life.
Since starting on an SSRI a month ago I wake up optimistic and feel relaxed.
And according to my psychiatrist I should continue to feel better as it can takes weeks/months to feel the full effect.

[Selkie]

Hi Amy! Doctors are more then keen to hand out drugs. However getting the right medication is sometimes a little complicated. It's best to seek help from specialists, if you live in Sydney. The staff at concord hospital are amazing. As for the feelings involved. They differ between each. Ssri' for example, some people swear by them. Others loathe them. a good doctor like the ones at concord hospital can identify if it is giving you any benefit on your next visit. just weigh up the side effects, the pro's and con's of each before taking anything. 

[Maesy]

Hi Amy, I have been taking medication for x3 weeks so far, and I'm finding the positive effects to be quite obvious. Personally I have felt less irritated and more happy at work. I feel less emotional, anxious/obsessive thoughts have decreased. Laughing and smiling like I haven't for a long time (there's still down days) ! 

Its a very individual journey though, I have tried a few medications which were not right for me. If you feel like it's not helping maybe your dose is wrong? I almost gave up, now I'm glad I didn't. Hang in there it may take some time 🙂

[MisterM]

Further to what Masey said and what I forgot to add, I also feel less irritable and my parents who used to set me off no longer do or when they do it is not as severe. I am more tolerant and calm.
I am unemployed, so look forward to seeing what difference it makes to me in the workplace as I often got irritable there over things my colleagues were calm with.

[Amy_G]

Thank you all for your replies! It's helpful to know about other people's experiences with this.

I guess it's kind of difficult for me to imagine what it would feel like when it starts working because my mood isn't actually that much of a problem ever since I quit uni, as I basically have no stressors in my life atm.

It's more a problem with my opinion of myself and my future, my motivation, and my general outlook on life, and it's hard to think of those changing maybe because I've been depressed for a few years now, and I don't remember what it was like before. 

I guess I'll just have to be patient and wait for something to help eventually.

Thanks again 🙂

- Amy G