The First 4 Weeks: What to Really Expect When Starting Anxiety Medication (Practical Guide/Managing Expectations)

Goal: Provide a realistic timeline to reduce anxiety about side effects and the slow onset of effects.

Key Topics:

Tip: The importance of not stopping cold turkey.

Week 1: Managing initial side effects (nausea, increased anxiety) and the “Tapering Up” process.

Weeks 2-3: The ‘waiting game’—when you might start noticing subtle changes.

Week 4 and Beyond: Assessing effectiveness and when to consult a clinician for a review.