Medications for Depression: How Long Does It Take to Find Relief?
You may have to be patient when starting an antidepressant for major depressive disorder.
Some people struggle with symptoms of major depressive disorder for months or years before seeking treatment. As a result, they may be very eager to see results when starting medication for depression.
Some people may see improvements within a few days, but others may need to wait several weeks to know if the medication is working, according to Jacques Ambrose, MD, MPH, FAPA, Psychiatrist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
- Jacques Ambrose, MD, MPH, FAPAJacques Ambrose, MD, MPH, FAPA, is a Psychiatrist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA dictionary of psychology: Inpatient.
Chand, S. P., et al. (2023). Depression. StatPearls.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Depression.
Rush, A. J. (2023). Patient education: Depression treatment options for adults (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
Rush, A. J. (2023). Unipolar major depression in adults: Choosing initial treatment. UpToDate.
For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
