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going on antidepressants, what are the first few weeks like?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I'm having a really hard time at the moment. Seems like everything has come at once and I feel like I can't cope. I should be focussing on my work (I'm a final year student with all my work due in a matter of weeks) but I just keep crying and worrying about the future.
I really want to see the doctor and ask for some help but I have some concerns: if I am prescribed anti depressants, will I be able to get through the next few weeks or do they take some time to kick in? Does anyone have any experience? I know they can have side effects, I can't really get my studies finished if I can't sleep or feel sick, but at the same time, I am getting nothing done at the moment feeling so miserable.
I really want to see the doctor and ask for some help but I have some concerns: if I am prescribed anti depressants, will I be able to get through the next few weeks or do they take some time to kick in? Does anyone have any experience? I know they can have side effects, I can't really get my studies finished if I can't sleep or feel sick, but at the same time, I am getting nothing done at the moment feeling so miserable.
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Also, you may not see an improvement at all, like alot of medicines, theres all different types, and so finding a suitable may take time, and experimenting.
Anyway to answer your questions. Anti-depressents take a few weeks to kick in, normally about 4-6 weeks i think they say. But they could help before, or it may take longer, or like i said they may not help at all. As for side effects everyone is different, and its hard to say whether you will have side effects and if you do when.
Go and speak to your gp, and talk through your concerns with them, if they suggest anti-depressents.
How long have you been feeling like this? could it just be that you are under quite a bit of pressure with it being your final year, and exams and such?
I have been feeling up and down for ages and ages but it just seems a lot worse lately. Yes I'm under a lot of pressure at the moment but it doesn't seem like a temporary thing. I am a bit nervous of talking to my doctor, it's always a different one.
Sorry that you're feeling down. Obviously as RepeatToFade said, you should really go and speak to your doctor about what u just asked us. From a personal experience, my antidepressants (I was on Sertraline, and now Cipramil) made me feel bloody awful for about 3 days just after starting taking them, and started to kick in after about 6 weeks. That was me though, it's different for everyone. Good luck.
they affect different people in really different ways, but i would maybe think about leaving the drugs until after you're deadlines. you'll get nowt at all done if you react like me and sleep 20 hours a day.
if you don't want to start anything til after your deadlines because of possible side affects , then perhaps natural stress relievers and mood lifters may be beneficial to you in the mean time and help you feel better. excercise and things like yoga really can help you feel better and would be easy to fit round your life. half an hour speed walking etc or a swim a couple of times a week may help if you aren't excercising much at the moment. it really made a difference to my mental health, and doesnt have side effects that will effect your studies in a negative way.
if you do have depression then you will need help in some form, but these are things you can do to help yourself too.
hope that helps xx
Antidepressants
Antidepressant overview
ADs - pros and cons
If you want to speak to someone about this before going to your GP, I'd suggest ringing Saneline - they will be able to answer any questions you have:
Saneline
Offers practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.
Web: www.sane.org.uk
Tel: 0845 767 8000
Hope you're feeling better soon