How long do antidepressants take to work?
Antidepressants often start to help within one to two weeks and can take up to eight weeks to work fully. Treatment usually continues for at least six months after you feel better. Do not stop suddenly. A doctor plans a gradual reduction.
Last updated 2 November 2026
How long they take
- Effects usually start within 1 to 2 weeks.
- The full effect can take up to 8 weeks.
- For some conditions, such as OCD, an SSRI can take up to 12 weeks to show its effect.
How long you take them
Treatment usually continues for at least 6 months after your symptoms improve. Your psychiatrist reviews this with you.
Side effects
Common side effects include mood changes, sleep difficulties, weight gain, headaches, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness or drowsiness, and sexual problems. Most ease after a couple of weeks, though some can continue. Tell your doctor about any that bother you, because the dose or medicine can be changed.
Stopping an antidepressant
Do not stop suddenly or without talking to your doctor first. Stopping usually means lowering the dose slowly over weeks or months. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, nausea, sweating, dizziness, sleep problems, irritability and "brain zaps". They usually begin within a few days and last a few weeks.
When to get urgent help
Thoughts of suicide are uncommon, but they can happen, especially in people aged 24 or under and in anyone who has had such thoughts before. If this happens, get help straight away.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
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- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
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Common questions
Why do antidepressants take so long to work?
They need time to take effect. Many people notice a change in 1 to 2 weeks, and the full effect can take up to 8 weeks.
Are antidepressants addictive?
See our guide on psychiatric medicine myths. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which is why a doctor lowers the dose slowly.
Can I stop once I feel better?
Do not stop on your own. Treatment usually continues for at least 6 months after symptoms improve, and stopping is planned with your doctor.
Related
- Myths about psychiatric medicines
- Depression
- Your first online consultation
- Mental health helplines in India
- What people ask psychiatrists: 12 common questions, answered
Sources
- Antidepressants (NHS 111 Wales)
- Panic disorder: treatments (NHS)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) overview (NHS)
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.