Antidepressants & How Quick They Work
Antidepressants are an important tool in the treatment of depression, but when using them for the first time it can be difficult to know what to expect. Understanding how long it may take before antidepressants work may help manage your expectations.
Individuals should not only be aware of potential side effects from antidepressants but also understand how the positive effects of medications work and why it may take time.
How will antidepressants impact you? How long does it take for increased doses of antidepressants to work? These are the questions that individuals taking antidepressants will inevitably think about.
How Will Antidepressants Affect Me?
Antidepressants are designed to help you restore your non-depressed state. It's understandable if you have forgotten what that feels like or cannot imagine anything beyond depression.
These medications will not make you immune to emotional distress, but many patients find relief from their symptoms through antidepressants.
You might not immediately notice these changes as the improvements can take time to manifest. It is common for others to observe the changes before you do.
You could suddenly realize you have gone days without emotional exhaustion or find yourself genuinely laughing at a joke. It might even feel natural to enjoy activities you once loved.
Antidepressants affect people differently, and you're experience may differ to those of other ones taking the same medication.
Antidepressants Don't Instantly Work
Antidepressants do not provide instant relief, however, scientific data suggests that some antidepressants may provide relief slightly quicker than others, such as Mirtazapine and Escitalopram.
Nonetheless, the individual variety is substantial and some may experience initial improvements within 1-2 weeks, while others notice gradual changes over subsequent weeks. Dose adjustments are common, as individuals respond to medications differently.
As for side effects, however, they may be experienced already after the first couple of times of taking them, allergic skin reactions in particular. Consult your medical doctor if you experience any side problems with taking your medication.
How Long Does For an Increased Dose of Antidepressants To Work?
Most medications start with a smaller "starting dose" and a higher "typical dose". For example, when taking Sertraline for depression, it's common to start with 25 mg per day and then increase the dosage under supervision until an effective dose is achieved. It takes around 4-6 weeks or longer to see the full effect of a specific dose.
Some individuals respond well to lower doses, while others require higher amounts. Adjusting the dose can take time, which extends the duration before experiencing the full benefits. Be sure to have patience. Treating depression is more comparable to a marathon than a sprint.
The Delayed Effect & Dose Rate
Multiple factors contribute to the time antidepressants take to work. While serotonin signaling in the brain increases quickly with these medications, depressive symptoms don't alleviate at the same pace.
Other downstream changes occur because of increased serotonin, influencing depression symptoms over time. The exact mechanism of response is still being researched.
The therapeutic dose of the medication plays a role in the time needed for a clinical response. Starting with smaller doses allows the body to adjust and minimize side effects. Adjusting the dose rate depends on tolerability. Deciding to stay at the starting dose or gradually increase depends on individual preferences.
Managing Expectations
Despite the slow pace, antidepressants are a cornerstone of depression treatment. Understanding what to anticipate when starting these medications can reduce frustration. Learning about their effects helps you evaluate their pros and cons, making the journey to recovery a bit easier.
If you have tried various treatments and still face depression, know that you are not alone. You may want to learn about other potential ways of improving depression while waiting for your medication to work.
What Antidepressant Is Right For Me?
Only a licensed physician can decide what antidepressant is right for you. Even then, some trial and error goes into the choice of antidepressant medication, as the experience of different antidepressants is highly individual. Additionally, there are special circumstances where certain antidepressants are more preferable than others, like in pregnancy or kidney failure.
For general informational purposes, our website provides an antidepressant quiz, which may help you explore other treatment options to discuss with your doctor.
Last updated: August 23, 2024
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease or mental illness, seek immediate medical attention.