Why do antidepressants take weeks to work?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Antidepressants take weeks to work because they need time to change the brain's chemistry and affect mood and behavior. See below to understand more.

Wondering why antidepressants take weeks to work?

Can I speed up the process myself Should I talk to a doctor about the delay Where to discuss medication concerns I'm worried about the delay in effects Is this delay normal for everyone What if there's no improvement Seeking a second opinion on medication timing

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Explanation

Antidepressants are medicines that help improve mood, but they don't work right away. They take time because they need to change how the brain works.

Brain Chemistry: Antidepressants affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals help send messages in the brain, and changing their levels can improve mood. However, this change doesn't happen instantly. It takes time for the medicine to build up in the brain and start making a difference.
Behavioral Changes: According to the research, while some early changes can happen, it often takes weeks for noticeable improvements in mood and behavior. This is because the brain needs time to adjust to the changes in neurotransmitter levels.

If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org for support.

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