Headaches when starting antidepressant?

[nhagerty74]

I recently started a low dose (5mg) of Brintellix 4 days ago, and I've had a headache every day.   I'm wondering if it's common to get headaches when first starting an antidepressant and how long I should give it before I decide to stop.  My Dr. said to give it a week, but I'm not sure that's long enough based on some stuff I've read.  I can't tolerate most antidepressants, which is why I'm hoping this side effect will go away.  I was just wondering what others' experiences are when starting a new AD, even if it wasn't Brintellix.  Are start up headaches common, and do they normally go away?  Thank you...

[nhagerty74]

I'm not too sure about waiting 6 weeks with a daily headache and hoping it goes away. Tylenol doesn't help me and I can't take NSAIDs. So frustrating...

[Medo12345]

Is the headache gone and how much does it take i have the same problem here ??

[AnxiousNoMore]

This thread is one year old so I don't think they will answer. Besides, everyone's body is different so effects are different and may not apply to you.

[AlexFire]

i've been on almost every SSRI out there . you name it : paxil - prozac - zoloft - flouxamine .... and they have almost the same side effects and issues..the side effects should go away after 2weeks but if it presist then you should call your doctor .. most ADs (SSRIs) are likely to cause and IIH headache and they will go away when your body gets used to it ...

[nhagerty74]

I'm clenching my jaw also.  Is that something that typically goes away when your brain adjusts to the medicine?

[AlexFire]

i had the exact same reaction to prozac.. i was angry like hell sometimes...:| i dont know why .. but yeah..it will go away

[nhagerty74]

Thank you for the advice. I'm going up to 10mg tomorrow and I hope I will start feeling some sort of motivation soon. I hate feeling this way.

[appfel]

Aside from persistent headaches, you could get dizzy or be constantly sleepy. At least that was what happened to me.  If they do not cease or get worse or bother you too much, be sure to contact your doctor.

[nhagerty74]

Ok, thank you

[nhagerty74]

Seems to have already gotten better. Will see what happens when I go up to 10mg eventually.

[Paxiled]

Headaches are one of the most common side effects of antidepressants.  Sometimes they go away, sometimes they don't.

[nhagerty74]

How long would you think is a reasonable amount of time to see if they go away before giving up on the medicine?

[specialmom]

One other thing to mention are the general life style things that help too such as getting a bit extra sleep when you can, healthy diet, exercising and if you can get a massage focusing on your neck and head, that is a wonderful thing for headaches.  If there is a 'place' that hurts--  an ice pack on it for a short time also helps (got hat tip from a physical therapist).  good luck

[specialmom]

Hi there.  I'm not familiar with that medication specifically but it is indeed very common to have transient or start up side effects when initially starting a psychotropic drug.  These side effects are very early when beginning the medication and then go away.  The first 6 weeks is when you might see those.  Unless it is debilitating, I would continue your medication for 6 to 8 weeks to give it a fair trial to see if it will work for your symptoms of depression.  I would take some ibuprofen or aspirin if you tolerate those well for the headache and give this a little time.  The other thing with transient side effects is that they start and become less and less as time goes on kind of fading away until they are gone.  

Best of luck to you and hope the medication ultimately works well and helps your depression.  peace