how long does depression last when on antidepresent drugs?

Answer 1

It takes from 1 to 3 weeks to work, but sometimes you need to try a few antidepressant to find one that does work for you.

Answer 2

It takes a few weeks to kick in and start having an effect. It may take a while to find the right one for you, so you may have to change tablets until you get the best one.
It doesn't follow that antidepressants will make you happy cos clinical depression is very little to do with current 'things' in your life that make you happy or sad. Although when you're feeling a bit better, some kind of therapy might help you with ways to combat depressive episodes, learn to cope with depression and change your thinking patterns and behaviour which can help you cope with life changes and so on.
Ive been taking them for many years on and off, and when I first started I thought I'd never feel well again. But now Ive got a degree, a husband, kids, a full time job and all the things 'normal'people have. It can be a big struggle, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Dont lose hope.

Answer 3

Antidepressant drugs can take from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks to kick in. But it may take a while to find the right dosage, or even the right medication.
Antidepressants don't cure depression, they either help address the chemical imbalance in the brain or alleviate the symptoms, giving you the time and space to deal with the issue that has caused it. Some people do need to take them long term - I have been taking antidepressants for several years now, and most people are stunned when I tell them I take them, with their help I have a full happy and contented life. Without them I get stressy weepy and generally feel I can't cope - and no, that's not due to dependancy on them.
Whe you are on more of an even keel try getting some gentle exercise, it does help, I know it can be difficult to get up and do anything when all you really want to do is curl up in a quiet corner, but try going for a short walk, or bike ride, or swim a few lengths.
To those who make comments about the meds leaving you feeling blank or void, they either don't know what they are talking about, or they are on the wrong medication. I have had some that have left me feeling pretty spaced out - but my GP changed them as they obviously weren't right for me. If after a couple of weeks, you don't feel better, or feel out of it, talk to your GP, who should either change the dose or the meds - if he/she doesn't ask to see a different doctor.
One last thing - don't ever be ashamed of the fact you need to take antidepressants! You are not weak - you have been strong enough to admit you need some help, that is an acheivement in itself! Diabetics have a chemical imbalance in their bodies and some need to take drugs (insulin) to lead a normal life - we have a chemical imbalance in our brains, and need a drug to address it.

Good luck, you'll get there!

Answer 4

People react differently to different antidepressants. One person may respond beautifully to a particular one whereas another may not respond at all. Generally if an antidepressant is working for you, you may begin to notice improvement in symptoms in as little as two weeks although it may take up to six weeks. If after two months your symptoms haven't improved then that particular antidepressant may not work for you and you should consider trying a different one. If you have a reactive or seasonal depression then meds may not always help so maybe you should try other treatment. Sometimes people don't respond to several drugs, psychotherapy or light therapy. In these cases ECT can be very helpful. It's often life-saving. Generally when a drug is working it's recommended staying on it for at least six months. Stopping it too soon could cause a recurrence of symptoms. Some people continue on lower doses indefinitely as a maintenance to prevent depressive episodes.

Answer 5

if you're on antidepresants it's because you're depressed and you're trying to reduce it's effect.

it's a damage limitation strategy, not a cure.

if you're depressed, you pretty much stay depressed and the meds could take anything from 3 weeks up to 3 years to bring you out of the worst of it.

mine keeps coming back, but it's different everytime.

the first one i couldn't describe it's was very bad and i was suicidal at the same time. the following times i was less and less suicidal but it was still incapacitating.

these days i avoid fatty food (which depresses you) i excercise and eat healthy and also try to fill my day with things to do.

if you combine meds with healthy eating and excercise (and sex if you can) then you'll be well on your way to the swiftest recovery your body and brain can manage.

all the best.

Answer 6

Hun, there is no relief to depression, sadly to say. Antidepressants are a way to make your lows less low and your highs less high, but it can't take away the fact that sometimes life just sucks too much to be ignored. I'm not saying that everything's hopeless and has no cure, but it's a reality you've gotta accept that drugs aren't going to cure anything. They help, but it's not going to make everything perfectly fine and dandy.
I hope you feel better soon though

Answer 7

Depression can last any amount of time but it normally takes 2-3 weeks 4 an anti-depressant to work .It wil not make you happy allit does is numb the depression.Ive found exercise and accupuncture to be more effective

Answer 8

it depends on the individual concerned, the drugs used and the type of depression, eg, someone who had never taken anti-depressants before(this matters because of the metabolism of the drug) with mild circumstancial depression taking amitryptylene might expect a lift in mood within 2-6 weeks, for me it took about a week to work.

Answer 9

depression rarely goes away even on medication. The medication is to supress the chemicals in the brain that cause the depression, if you are just starting depression medication, most of them you have to take for certain periods of time to let it build up in your system before you feel a difference.

Answer 10

My friend, whose a doctor told me that it can take 2 to 3 weeks for the medications to build up in your blood and for you to start feeling the benefits. It's my understanding that if you can stick it out, your life can improve dramatically. It sounds like it's worth working through those first few weeks. Best Wishes.