HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Does Antidepressant Take To Show Effect?

How long does it take for an anti-depressant to fully kick in? Can I still have some low points? I have been on my anti-depressant for about 5 weeks now (3 of them are on the new dosage). I have been feeling pretty good; is it ok to have a day or 2 where I am feeling low?
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
Report Abuse
Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear ,

As per your query you are taking antidepressant and wondering that how long they will take to show the effect . Well antidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. The levels of neurotransmitters will rise gradually. This is why most people will need to take antidepressants for a few weeks before they start to work . It is very important to follow the expert's advice on prescription . Usually it take 4-6 weeks for antidepressants to show their effect . You have already taken your medicine for 5 weeks and if you are noticing improvement it means its working . f there i no improvement the consult your doctor again and discuss the condition with him/her . There can be periods when you can feel low , because condition will improve gradually .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Does Antidepressant Take To Show Effect?

Hi Dear , As per your query you are taking antidepressant and wondering that how long they will take to show the effect . Well antidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. The levels of neurotransmitters will rise gradually. This is why most people will need to take antidepressants for a few weeks before they start to work . It is very important to follow the expert s advice on prescription . Usually it take 4-6 weeks for antidepressants to show their effect . You have already taken your medicine for 5 weeks and if you are noticing improvement it means its working . f there i no improvement the consult your doctor again and discuss the condition with him/her . There can be periods when you can feel low , because condition will improve gradually . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari