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suki

Updated 1y ago

How long does it take for antidepressants to work?

I recently started antidepressants, I want to know how long before I see a real improvement. I know it probably depends on the person to an extent, so I'm wondering what your experience is, if you take it or have taken it?

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comealittlecloser

2y

According to stuff I’ve seen online, it can take from a few weeks or even several months to start feeling improvement, but that’s only about 70% of people that it helps and unfortunately I’m one of the 30% with treatment resistant depression but there are still other treatments if meds don’t help plus therapy is important too
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cosmopisces

2y

i’ve been on antidepressants for about 4 years, i remember noticing changes about two weeks in. my sleep schedule was more regular, my appetite came back which really helped with my depression. i was also able to control my anxiety and become more productive. just be mindful of the side effects and make sure they don’t outweigh the benefits. my first antidepressant was zoloft and after about two years my body built an immunity of sorts and i had to switch to a new one. all in all antidepressants paired with a strong set of coping mechanisms is a game changer <3
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suki

2y

It's really been the opposite for me, I'm having a bit of trouble keeping schedule of when I take it, and my sleeping habits aren't the best usually, but it seems almost worse now. It's as if I can't get anything done, and I easily end up sleeping the whole day away.. I've never really taken such a long term drug and I'm not quite sure whether I'm imagining things or I'm actually having some side effects at times
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ajar

2y

TW: suicide The first antidepressants I took were Seroquel and Effexor, and they made everything infinitely worse and I ended up attempting suicide while I was on them. After that attempt I was moved to Lexapro and then later added Wellbutrin, and that combo has been incredible with how much it's helped. Alongside some anxiety meds, a sleep med, and a few vitamins, I'm doing a lot better now. Antidepressants definitely take some trial and error, and if you feel like what you're taking is making you feel worse then tell your doctor asap. If there's anyone in your family that takes an antidepressant, try asking them what it is and ask your doctor if you can try it. My mom takes Lexapro (though she takes less than half of what I do) so it could be a genetic thing that gives some clues as to what will work for you
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suki

2y

My mom takes the same kind as me although hers seems to work well for her
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suki

2y

But she's been taking it for a long time so maybe that's why
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Rodrigo

2y

I will be honest with you, I was on Prozac for 7 years and it didn't do much for me except numb the sadness. It will never truly go away unless you figure out the root cause of it. For me it was constant feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, which led me to be antisocial and not want to do anything. The best help I've had is just making friends, getting a job I enjoy, plus dedicating time to hobbies and family. The hardest part is always pulling yourself out of the rut and starting to put the pieces together. But if you want long term happiness, I do not think you will find it in a pill form.
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wildflower440

2y

It was about 2 months for me!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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