Is it normal to have ups and downs during the first weeks of antidepressant treatment?

Question

It's only day 6 and I was really depressed today. I'm getting my period tomorrow and I am wondering if that has something to do with it. Anyway, is it pretty standard to have highs and lows while first starting on antidepressants? (I'm not suicidal)

I also kind of don't feel like myself these days? Is that common too or is it just because I've had a major life change by taking this drug (I was super nervous to take this)

Answer 1

Yes. You can have ups and downs during the first few weeks because it does take several weeks of taking anti depressants religiously in order for them to work effectively. I had the same problem when I first started taking my medicine.

Answer 2

Yes, it is pretty much standard that when you take any kind of an anti-depressant, you mood does go up and down and especially during the first five to ten days is when they usually say to watch closely for suicidal behaviour. I'm delighted to see that your not suicidal and I just want to encourage you to keep in with the meds and see the thing through. Also, always try to take them at the same time every day.
Yes, your oncoming period could have something to do with your mood also. I would like to encourage you over the next days too take it easy on yourself and just try to chill a little.

Answer 3

When starting on Antidepression drugs the same amount is not what is best for everyone so you need to keep in close contact with your doctor to "fine tune" them. I had a girlfriend wo was very sensitive to the drugs and very tiny changes made a big difference.

Hormonal changes due to "time of the month" also affect moods quite aside from a much more severe problem so you might need to skew your dosage depending on that as well. Close consultation with your doctor is really important here as well.

If your doctor is distant or refuses to help get just the right dose, then you need to find a better doctor.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, I don't think you're getting any benefit from your antidepressants yet, it often takes 4-6 weeks before they really kick in (for the people who benefit from them, not every drugs helps every person, it's a bit of a guessing game), so I'm not surprised to hear that they haven't made you feel better yet. We don't have anything that works more quickly yet, so all I can say is stick with it and things should start to look better in time, for now, it's to be expected that they haven't helped much.

Answer 5

Yeah, that is normal. I take antidepressants and my psychiatrist says that it takes 6 weeks for the medicine to be completely in your system. She also said that I would always have ups and downs depending on what is occurring in my life.

I guess what I have learned is that antidepressants aren't "miracle drugs" like I was hoping they would be. They help with the chemical imbalance and make it so your ups and downs aren't so extreme.

Answer 6

It may take up to a month for the drug to take effect, be paitent.Remember, even those without depression have bad days. Sometimes it feels good just to get your feelings out, try a journal.

Answer 7

Of course it is especially because it takes awile before you start to feel the effects from the meds so just be patient get plenty of rest and your period could contribute to your depression i mean who wants to walk around with a diaper or plug on all day dont worry you will be fine

Answer 8

Yes, it's normal. It takes 2-4 weeks for the drugs to get in your system and work properly. And being pre-menstrual can add to the depressed feeling.

Answer 9

takes up to 6 weeks to work and if you need more than it takes 6 weeks for that to work.. go luck it is worth the time.

Answer 10

yes--it can take several weeks before you stablize