How long does it take for antidepressants to work?

Older classes of antidepressants — MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants — take about the same amount of time to work — anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for most people, while most people will start to feel a benefit within 3 to 4 weeks.

Common clinical depression treatment is a type of antidepressant medication. Antidepressants come in a variety of ways, but they all function by affecting the brain on certain neurochemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepressants are most commonly prescribed by a physician, but may also be used to treat depression by a family doctor or general practitioner.

Related article: How to Deal Effectively with Symptoms of Depression

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitors, atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are among the different classes of antidepressants. Different classes of prescription drugs require different amounts of time before their anti-depressant benefits begin to feel.

SSRIs, such as Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, and Paxil, and SNRIs, such as Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor, are the most commonly prescribed prescription antidepressants. Although some people may begin to feel less depressed within 2 weeks of taking one of these types of antidepressants, most people will not begin to experience the full positive effects of the medication until 6 to 8 weeks after it starts.

Besides feeling less depressed by antidepressant medications, the side effects of antidepressants are often experienced first by people. While these side effects vary from person to person and from drug to drug, the most frequently observed side effects in antidepressants are:

• Decreased sex drive
• Dry mouth — you cannot produce the same amount of saliva as usual
• Mild to moderate nausea
• Insomnia — the inability to sleep or difficulty staying asleep
• Increased anxiety or restlessness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headaches
• Increased sweating or dizziness

Related article: Read about the common types of Depression

When you notice any of these side effects when taking antidepressants, you shouldn't be overly concerned, but you should still inform your therapist or physician about it. Once your body adjusts to the medication, some side effects may go away on their own. Others may not and may be addressed by adjusting or taking your dose of medication. These medications can be bought from online pharmacies at a very good price. You can order online prescriptions and get the medications at your doorstep.

For everyone, drugs aren't effective. Sometimes the first antidepressant prescribed by a doctor may not work for you (as it does not operate for 50% of people who try an antidepressant). Do not get upset, only acknowledge that either another medication may need to be tested, or the physician might recommend that a higher dose may be required. Talk to your doctor about your medication adjustment if after 6 to 8 weeks you do not feel any positive effects of the medication.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. 

DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physicians with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.