Bio-Escitalopram · Weeks 1–2
Getting started
You have just started Bio-Escitalopram. Side effects often show up before the benefits: here is what helps during these first weeks.
Keep in mind
- Take your medication as prescribed, at about the same time every day.
- Benefits often take a few weeks. Some side effects are more common at the start and often ease over time.
- Do not stop your medication or change the dose without talking to your pharmacist or doctor.
Tools for your needs
How escitalopram works, what is normal at the start, and what should make you call.
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Article
Understanding antidepressant medications, part 1: how to use them safely
What antidepressants do, how long they take to work, and which side effects are common at the start.
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Article
Drugs for treatment of depression
Consumer reference on antidepressant classes, how they act, and their side effects.
A starting point to see what changes over the coming weeks.
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App
Daylio
Mood journal: log how you feel and what you did, then spot patterns. Handy to bring to your appointments.
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Website
MesOutils.ca
Free Quebec platform: journal, exercises, questionnaires and a safety plan to get through difficult times.
Free programs to learn to manage stress, anxiety and low mood, at your own pace.
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Website
Bounce Back
Guided self-help program: phone coaching, practical workbooks and short videos to manage low mood, stress and anxiety.
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Website
Équilia — CBT and mindfulness program
Free, self-paced 6-lesson online program combining cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. No waiting list.
Other stages
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Weeks 2–6
Feeling the first effects
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6 weeks and more
Staying on track
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Any time
Something feels off