Starting an antidepressant can come with a lot of questions, including, “How soon will I feel better?” and “What if I experience side effects?” For patients across Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, and Vermont, Vicktree Behavioral Healthcare (BHC) provides telehealth medication management with a collaborative approach. Today, we’re giving an overview of what to expect to help potential clients feel more prepared.
The First Days: Adjusting to Your Antidepressant
You may notice side effects before improvements in anxiety or depression symptoms. Depending on the medication, these can include:
Nausea
Headaches
Changes in sleep
Stomach issues
Some effects ease as your body adjusts; others may need attention from your prescriber. Take your medication as prescribed, and discuss concerns before changing the dose or stopping. Make sure to share a complete list of medications and supplements so that your provider can check for potential interactions.
The Following Weeks: Watching for an Improved Mood
Antidepressants commonly take four to eight weeks to level out in your system. Sleep, appetite, or concentration may improve before your mood does, so a lack of immediate relief does not necessarily mean treatment is unsuccessful. Individual timelines vary. It’s a good idea to keep notes about your mood, sleep, side effects, and activity level throughout treatment. Bring these observations to appointments to help your prescriber assess progress.
Throughout Treatment: Knowing When to Reach Out
Monitoring matters! Contact your prescriber promptly if you experience worsening depression, significant agitation, or other concerning behavioral changes. Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts, particularly early in treatment or after dose changes. Get immediate help for suicidal thoughts by calling 911.
Beginning Medication Management With Vicktree BHC
Your questions deserve a place in mental health treatment. Dr. Gaurav Kulkarni brings 16 years of medication management experience to individualized psychiatric care for clients in FL and TX,. Request an appointment with Vicktree BHC today to discuss treatment and your next steps!