When is it generally recommended to monitor the patient closely after starting antidepressant therapy?

Monitoring a patient closely within the first two weeks after starting antidepressant therapy is crucial due to the risk of increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors that may occur during this initial period. This early phase is critical as patients may not yet experience the full therapeutic effects of the medication, which can take several weeks to manifest, depending on the specific type of antidepressant.

During these initial weeks, healthcare providers are vigilant for side effects, as well as any exacerbation of depressive symptoms or emergence of suicidal ideation. This monitoring is especially important for adolescents and young adults, who may be at higher risk.

Following the first two weeks, while it remains important to continue follow-up assessments, the need for intensive monitoring decreases, making the early phase particularly significant for establishing patient safety and treatment effectiveness.