How Long Do Antidepressants Take to Work?

Antidepressants are medicines used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and more. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which are chemical messengers that help regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

While antidepressants are effective in treating mental health conditions, they are not a quick fix. It typically takes several weeks or even months before they start working fully. Here is a guide to how long you can expect to wait before noticing changes:

What to Expect When Starting an Antidepressant

It is important to be patient when starting an antidepressant. It may take several weeks or even months before you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms. You should take the antidepressant exactly as prescribed by your doctor and continue taking it even if you start to feel better.

Possible Side Effects of Antidepressants

Antidepressants can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Anxiety

Managing Your Condition While Waiting for Results

While you are waiting for the antidepressant to take effect, there are a few things you can do to manage your condition:

• Get regular exercise
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Join a support group
• Talk to a therapist

It is important to remember that antidepressants are not a cure for mental health conditions. However, they can be an effective way to manage these conditions and improve your quality of life.

How Long Do Antidepressants Take to Work?

The length of time it takes for an antidepressant to work depends on the individual and the type of antidepressant:

• SSRIs: About six weeks
• SNRIs: One to four weeks
• TCAs: Two to four weeks
• MAOIs: As early as two weeks and up to six

Common Classes of Antidepressants

There are a few different classes of antidepressants. The most common types are:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Examples: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Examples: Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Pristiq, Fetzima
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Examples: Tofranil, Pamelor, Amitriptyline, Norpramin
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Examples: Parnate, Nardil, Marplan, Emsam