Medication
Which side effects to wait out, and which to call about
Most fade within two weeks. A few shouldn't be ignored for two hours.
Enestine Tasong, DNP, PMHNP-BC5 min read · December 2025
Starting a new psychiatric medication often comes with a rough first stretch — mild nausea, headache, sleepiness, or a jittery feeling. These usually settle within one to two weeks as your body adjusts.
Things that are worth a message but not an emergency: side effects that persist past two weeks, sexual side effects, weight changes, or sleep that gets worse rather than better. All of these are usually fixable with a dose change or a different medication. Don't quietly tolerate them.
Things worth calling immediately about: rash, high fever with muscle stiffness, severe agitation, confusion, thoughts of harming yourself, or any sudden and dramatic change in mood or energy.
Never stop a psychiatric medication abruptly without talking to us first — several of them need to be tapered.
When in doubt, send a message. We would much rather hear from you early.
This article is general information and is not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
