Scared of the side effects

[FallenSky]

Hello. I am currently studying for my final exam (HSC) and my doctor prescribed me with a new antidepressants. I have taken antidepressants before and the side effects was absolutely terrible to the point where I got a heart attack. I am afraid that this new antidepressants will cause me to have side effects during the exam which is in a week. I worried because the most common side effects is headche and increased thoughts on suicide.  

[geoff]

dear FallenSky, studying for your final exam is always going to be stressful, because it's a horrible experience and the sooner they change this the better off the students would be.

It's an enormous amount of pressure that is put onto those trying to finish their year in HSC.

I hope that your doctor has started you on a low dose, and also another antidepressant (AD), a different brand and type than the one you previously had taken.

The net and the pamphlet in the box have to tell the patient what sort of side effects could happen, but they may not, or could only be in a small way, and sometimes our body adjusts to them over time, and if this doesn't happen then you have to go back to your doctor.

I can't say but the headaches should settle down, and I would think that your doctor would be aware that you have your exam next week and wouldn't 'do anything rash', and not to complicate the issue.

The AD normally take 4 to 6 weeks to take affect, but if you're lucky they could start straight away, but let's concentrate on finishing your exam, and to finish this would be a great advantage.

I wish you all the very best. Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi FallenSky,

Welcome to BeyondBlue and thanks for reaching out.

I'm sorry that you're experience with antidepressants has not been great.  Unfortunately medications really are different for every person so what works for someone really doesn't work for another.  I also wish that antidepressants didn't have such terrible side effects - it seems so ironic sometimes.

But sadly while I can't really make it better, I can tell you what's worked for me.  Which is:

1). Keeping your doctor and pharmacist in the loop.  Tell them your concerns.  Fortunately there are so many good antidepressants out there so there will be one that works for you.  Sometimes it can be reassuring to schedule lots of follow ups just so that you know you're not alone and if you start a medication and are worried about the side effect you have someone to talk to.  Generally they will take between 4-6 weeks to get in your system as a guideline, so a lot of the initial side effects do subside.

2) Write it down.  This doesn't work for everyone but for me it helps to get things 'out of my head'.  Journalling can be incredibly therapeutic.  It also helps me put things into perspective.

3) Talk to someone. Having that accountability of friends/family will help you feel safe - knowing that you have someone who knows you best and can pick up on if you aren't feeling right.

I hope this helps.  Remember that there are always options: antidepressants are only one option in helping to manage depression, but if you feel the risk is too high (especially now at your exams), it is okay to wait or try something else.

Take care,