{"id":58185,"date":"2023-05-02T09:30:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T13:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58185"},"modified":"2025-09-03T12:01:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T16:01:49","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-antidepressants-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-antidepressants-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it take antidepressants to work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve been prescribed an antidepressant, it\u2019s probably because you\u2019ve been experiencing levels of anxiety or depression that are interfering with your daily function or quality of life. This can be scary, frustrating, and exhausting, so chances are that once you begin <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/side-effects-of-antidepressants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taking an antidepressant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you want it to start working right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, there is a waiting period when you start taking an antidepressant: While some take less time than others to work, you won\u2019t be feeling the full effects of your medication for a few weeks, at least. Here\u2019s what you can expect when you start taking an antidepressant\u2014from what side effects you might experience to how long you can expect to wait until you\u2019re feeling like yourself again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/resources\/antidepressants\">Save on common antidepressants<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-antidepressants-work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do antidepressants work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants are prescription drugs that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/9301-antidepressants-depression-medication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cause changes in your brain\u2019s neurotransmitters<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, i.e., the chemicals that send messages within your brain and may also strengthen the neuron connections in your brain. Ultimately, these chemical changes can improve your overall mood. Antidepressants may be prescribed to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression associated with bipolar disorder, or panic disorder, among other conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different types of antidepressants, but the most common treatment options are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zoloft\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoloft (sertraline)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lexapro\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lexapro (escitalopram)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/celexa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celexa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/citalopram-hydrobromide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">citalopram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/paxil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paxil (paroxetine)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cymbalta\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cymbalta (duloxetine)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/effexor-xr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effexor (venlafaxine)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pamelor\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pamelor (nortriptyline)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elavil (amitriptyline)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atypical antidepressants such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/wellbutrin-sr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/selegiline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eldepryl (selegiline)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/marplan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marplan (isocarboxazid)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressant medication is most often prescribed in tablet form; it depends on the specific drug and condition treated. While the dosage varies by medication, healthcare providers generally prescribe a lower dose to start and slowly increasing the dose if needed. It is often recommended that antidepressant treatment is paired with psychotherapy for maximum benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of taking an antidepressant is to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK361002\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feel more like your usual self again<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They won\u2019t make you feel artificially happy, but they can help you recover some of the function you may have lost in your life because of your anxiety or depression. It\u2019s also important, though, to continue taking care of yourself in other ways once you begin antidepressants, like going to regular therapy, managing stress, and getting enough exercise and quality sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-does-it-take-for-antidepressants-to-work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does it take for antidepressants to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most conventional antidepressants take several weeks to work. While you might feel some improvement during the first two weeks, it can take from four to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/antidepressants.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eight weeks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to feel the full benefits of these drugs, says psychiatrist <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nevadamentalhealth.com\/our-psychiatrists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sid Khurana<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, the medical director for Nevada Mental Health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t feel <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anything <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when you start taking an antidepressant, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prozac\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prozac (fluoxetine)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zoloft\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoloft (sertraline)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; Dr. Khurana says the side effects of these drugs often appear earlier than the intended therapeutic effects, so you may notice some mild symptoms like dizziness or nausea within a few days of taking your first pill.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-i-know-if-my-antidepressant-is-working\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I know if my antidepressant is working?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a bit of a waiting game as far as figuring out whether your antidepressant is working the way you expected. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-antidepressant\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some antidepressants don\u2019t work well for some people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while others only need their dosage adjusted until they find the right amount. This is a step you can\u2019t rush, however, even though it can be frustrating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe rule is to start low and go slow unless the benefits of going fast outweigh the risks of side effects,\u201d Dr. Khurana says. \u201cTypically, dosage adjustments are made every two to four weeks, depending upon the symptom severity and the choice of antidepressant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your prescribing provider will work with you to determine whether your dosage is strong enough or needs to be increased based on regular check-ins. It\u2019s important to be honest with your healthcare provider about how you\u2019ve been feeling, including the positive and negative side effects you\u2019ve experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re having some unpleasant side effects to starting a new antidepressant, there are some ways to ease the transition, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.telepsychhealth.com\/bassi-bruce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bruce Bassi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, an addiction psychiatrist at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.telepsychhealth.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TelepsychHealth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThe adage is \u2018the treatment is time,\u2019 as the side effects\u2014especially the gastrointestinal ones\u2014tend to get better [the longer you\u2019re on the drug],\u201d Dr. Bassi explains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the meantime, he says there are some common tricks you can employ to make the side effects more tolerable until they go away, such as timing the medication to take it with food or asking your provider for a low dose of another medication to temporarily treat side effects (an anti-nausea drug, for example).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a handle on side effects but are impatiently waiting to feel the therapeutic benefits of your antidepressant, Dr. Khurana says it\u2019s important to incorporate other self-care strategies into your routine in the interim. This might include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating healthy, nutritious meals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting regular exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting quality sleep (and practicing good <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-better\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep hygiene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attending therapy sessions or support group meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing meditation or mindfulness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise, in particular, is beneficial: \u201cExercise has a very strong antidepressant effect, and it is extremely important to incorporate exercise to boost [that],\u201d Dr. Khurana says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-side-effects-of-antidepressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the side effects of antidepressants?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several common side effects of antidepressants, though most people won\u2019t experience all of them, and they tend to be mild. The most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/depression\/in-depth\/antidepressants\/art-20049305\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal upset, especially nausea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased appetite or weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness or fatigue (or on the other hand, trouble sleeping)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness and headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An increase in anxiety or agitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower libido<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The likelihood of having side effects depends partly on your body chemistry, on any other health conditions you may be treating, and on the medication itself. In general, Dr. Bassi says:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSRIs are more likely to cause GI and sexual side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TCAs that are strongly anticholinergic are more likely to cause dry mouth, constipation, and fogginess.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications with a strong antihistamine component, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/paxil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paxil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can lead to sedation and weight gain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of these side effects will be temporary, but it\u2019s possible that even temporary side effects may be too intense for you to continue taking the medication. If you feel this way, contact your prescribing provider as soon as possible; don\u2019t discontinue taking the medication without consulting your provider. Your provider may decide it\u2019s best to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/switching-antidepressants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">switch your medication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or they may suggest ways for you to cope with the side effects until they resolve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people also notice certain emotional side effects when they begin taking an antidepressant; they feel numb as if their senses have been dulled. This is often referred to as \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8712545\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional blunting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d and can happen when your dose is too high. Talk to your provider if you\u2019re experiencing feelings of numbness after starting an antidepressant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, some people may experience an increase in feelings of anxiety or restlessness, which can be especially frustrating if you\u2019re taking the drug to treat an anxiety disorder. This is called activation syndrome\u2014essentially a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5828909\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyperarousal of the nervous system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in response to the drug, and while it\u2019s temporary, can be distressing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience any of the following side effects after beginning antidepressants, call your provider or seek emergency care immediately, as they could be signs of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/9301-antidepressants-depression-medication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious adverse effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/patients-with-serotonin-syndrome\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or overdose:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts or ideation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"length-of-antidepressant-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Length of antidepressant treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people are reluctant to start antidepressants because they are afraid they will become dependent on them or will need to take them for the rest of their lives. But this isn\u2019t always true; while some people remain on antidepressants for long periods of time, others discontinue use after a marked period of improvement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Bassi says he describes antidepressants as \u201chelping you get to a better place in life.&#8221; If there were other precipitating factors that contributed to your depression, he explains, like relationship issues, problems at work, or difficulty sleeping, resolving those issues in combination with antidepressant use can improve your overall situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long might this take? It largely depends on you and your unique situation, but Dr. Bassi says he usually recommends staying on antidepressants for six to 12 months after feeling better, which aligns with the current national guidelines. You shouldn\u2019t expect to discontinue taking antidepressants the moment you feel better because <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/diseases-and-conditions\/going-off-antidepressants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that can cause a relapse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but you should keep the line of communication open with your healthcare team so you can decide together if, when, and how to try gradually weaning off the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, there are people who will need to continue some kind of antidepressant treatment indefinitely. This can include people with severe anxiety disorders and people with major depressive disorder. But try not to allow your concerns over the length of treatment prevent you from seeking the help you need and deserve. Many people take antidepressants for long periods of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you first begin taking an antidepressant, you should expect to notice some minor improvements after one to two weeks and feel the full effects within two or three months. If you don\u2019t feel any improvement after several weeks of treatment, you should check in with your provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you wait for your medication to work, you may have some mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and weight gain. If at any point your side effects are not mild, or if they\u2019re impeding your ability to function, talk to your provider right away: They may be able to make an adjustment to the type or dose of your medication or share tips to make the transition period smoother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts while taking antidepressants are a rare but serious side effect; if you are experiencing severe depression, any thoughts of self-harm, or having suicidal ideations, <\/span><b>call the <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>National Suicide Prevention Lifeline<\/b><\/a><b> at 988<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve been prescribed an antidepressant, it\u2019s probably because you\u2019ve been experiencing levels of anxiety or depression that are interfering with your daily function or quality of life. This can be scary, frustrating, and exhausting, so chances are that once you begin taking an antidepressant, you want it to start working right away. Unfortunately, there [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":58121,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[451,450,8905],"coauthors":[8860],"class_list":["post-58185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-depression","tag-mental-health","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How long does it take antidepressants to work?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You may see some improvement within two weeks, it may take up to four weeks to benefit from the full effects of an antidepressant. 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