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“Side effects are bothering me”
A short answer
Side effects are worth talking about, not just putting up with. Your provider can look at what's happening, how it relates to your medication and dose, and the options for adjusting. Please don't stop a medication suddenly on your own. If a side effect feels severe or urgent, call 911.
What often helps
Many common side effects, like an upset stomach or headache, are mild and ease with time. When they don't, there are usually options: a lower starting dose, increasing more slowly, taking the medication at a different time or with food, treating the side effect, or trying a different medication.
Some reactions need help right away, such as a serious allergic reaction, or agitation, muscle twitching and a high temperature, which can be signs of a rare but serious reaction called serotonin syndrome. If a side effect feels severe or urgent, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For everything else, talk with your prescriber first. Please don't stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
That's still worth bringing up. Small changes, like timing or dose, sometimes make a real difference.
Common SSRI side effects and what helpsLet your prescriber know soon. When it started and what changed are useful clues for adjusting.
How we adjust medicationCall your prescriber right away if you're worried a medication is doing more harm than good. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Why you might feel worse at firstDon't wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Once you're safe, let your prescriber know what happened.
This isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
Notes that help your provider adjust
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Side effects
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Side effects are just the price of feeling better.
Myth. Side effects are worth raising. There are often ways to reduce them, and your provider would rather know.
2Many common side effects ease with time.
Fact. Common side effects of SSRIs and other antidepressants are generally mild and tend to go away with time. If one doesn't, tell your provider.
3The only fix for a side effect is a different medication.
Myth. Sometimes switching is the answer, but options also include adjusting the dose, changing when or how you take it, or treating the side effect itself.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Send your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We go through what you take, the side effects you've had, and what you need from your medication.
3A plan to adjust
We explain the options and the reasons behind each, and you decide together with your provider.
4Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly to see what's working, what isn't, and what to adjust. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: Mental Health Medications
- MedlinePlus: Depression, stopping your medicines
- MedlinePlus: Drug Reactions
- FDA: MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from NIMH, MedlinePlus and FDA, checked October 25, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Other starting points