How are antidepressants supposed to make you feel after the effects have kicked in?
So this is kind of a stupid question, but I have been on an antidepressant for about a month, and I dont really feel any different. I probably have to wait a few more weeks before it starts working or whatever but I'm not really sure what to expect and whenever I meet with my psychiatrist I always feel stupid and too awkward when I try to ask him about this so I havent been able to. But yeah if anyone could tell me how their antidepressants made them feel better that would be great. Thanks!
Hi!
This is a tough question to answer because everyone is so different! It depends on the dosage, type of medication, your height/weight, metabolism, symptoms etc etc
For me personally, I noticed a difference quite quickly - but I've taken other medications and not noticed a difference at all. As a guide, psychiatrists recommend 4-6 weeks as this is when you can get an idea of whether it's really starting to work or not.
@energeticMap9646
I just started an antidepressant this week for the first time. The way my doctor explained it, you'll never really feel a huge noticable difference in your mood (like, you're not going to wake up and be completely happy all the time), but you should start to notice that you aren't as sad, or things don't bother you as much. Or, if you are struggling to do every day tasks, get out of bed, socialize, etc., those things will become easier... she told me it could take anywhere form 4-6 weeks.
Again, I just started them, so I don't know for sure, but that's what the doc told me.
How have your side effects been? I haven't had too many yet but it's still early and I'm only taking half a dose this week to ease into it.
@igoback622 I havnt felt any different, and I have been taking them for 9 weeks so I'm going to try and ask my psychiatrist to increase my dosage and see if I feel anthing. Thank you for your help!
I have a post on my feed which answers what I felt on them
You should feel an alleviation of your symptoms, at the most general definition. You should have somewhat more energy, find motivation to do basic living necessities. You should find it easier to think positive things, be less occupied with negative thoughts or feelings. That's like, the *barest* definition of "what i should feel" is Better. Better than before, whatever that means for your individual case.
@energeticMap9646
Some people never notice an effect. Sorry, but there it is. A third of people are helped by antidepressants, roughly, althogh in some research the figure has been as high as 60%.
The full effect is in about three months, usually, which makes the whole choice, dosage adjustment thing a frustrating long time.
So, really, you are shooting yourself in the foot (sorry about the dreadful metaphor) if you don't tell your trickcyclist. s/he will probably want to change you to another one, or increase the dose, if that is the case.
In the UK, it is recognised that therapy has better outcomes than antidepressants only. Just saying.
That does NOT mean you should stop taking them suddenly. That is almost always a bad mistake.
