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First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

Leoklies14New Contributor28 Jan 2025, 8:20 am AEDT

First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

Hi guys,

I’m relatively new here and it’s great there are resources like this to reach out for support. I am also glad to find a supportive community out there. I have generalised anxiety disorder and I found reaching out for support has helped so here goes

I have started transitioning from taking one antidepressant to another and I am on day 10.

It has been quite challenging for me to be honest and I’m experiencing mental side effects like increased anxiety and heart palpitations. My gp has mentioned that it may be tough for the first few weeks as your body adjusts and to give it time.

I’m also going through a very challenging personal situation at the moment and there are times where I am losing hope that things will get any better.

I am wondering what everyone’s experiences were whilst starting new antidepressants and how to cope with the first few weeks when you feel like you can’t.
Thanks!

3 replies

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In response to: First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

GardensHeartSenior Contributor28 Jan 2025, 8:34 am AEDT

Re: First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

Hi there @Leoklies14 ,

We wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to the forums. Thank you and well done on sharing your story.

We hope that you find the forums a great place to connect with other members, share stories and ideas, and find the support and connection you deserve.

Feel free to Introduce yourself here if you haven’t already!

We look forward to seeing you around on the forums!

In response to: First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

JynxModerator28 Jan 2025, 4:04 pm AEDT

Re: First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

Hiya @Leoklies14 welcome!!

Ach, yeah starting new meds can be a TIME!! Especially when you're already struggling, it's kinda like 'Whaddaya mean I gotta feel worse to feel better?!'

In the past I have basically turned to my supports and let them know I might be in need of some extra TLC. That and ensuring that I am always keeping in mind that like, whatever I'm feeling is NOT a reflection of me or my capacity, but a result of chemical changes and nothing more.

You got some friends or family with whom you feel safe to talk about this kinda stuff? You can always give the SANE line a buzz too (1800 187 263 Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm) if you want some reassurance or just a safe space to offload.

What sort of stuff has been the most challenging with all of this you reckon? Like is it the side effects themselves or more just the overwhelm of managing it all?

In response to: First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

dehahaSenior Contributor28 Jan 2025, 7:52 pm AEDT

Re: First few weeks on medication, need some encouragement

Hi @Leoklies14

I totally agree that changes to meds can be blah and sometimes, initially, you can feel worse than before you started.

I remember when I first got medicated it took 12 months and 4 different meds to find the right one. It was worth it though in the end.

Try and ride it out if you can and give it a chance to settle in your system. Hopefully in a week or two you will be feeling better. Take care.

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