How long do I need to take depression medication for?

The length of time you may need to stay on antidepressant medication depends on your unique situation, but most clinical evidence points to a minimum continuation period of 6–9 months after symptoms have improved. 

For individuals with recurrent or chronic depression, or those at higher relapse risk, longer treatment—up to two years or more—is frequently advised. 

According to a 2024 meta-analysis by Hu et al., stopping antidepressants too soon—especially before the three-month mark—carries a significantly higher risk of relapse compared to staying on treatment for at least three months after remission. Similarly, a landmark fluoxetine trial found that people who continued therapy for an additional 26 weeks after their symptoms lifted had a markedly lower relapse rate than those who stopped earlier. 

Guidelines generally recommend continuing for at least six months after full symptom resolution, and often up to nine months, to help the brain stabilize and reduce the chance of depressive symptoms returning.

Do I Have to Stay on Antidepressants Forever?

Medication as a bridge, not a lifelong crutch

No—most people do not need to remain on antidepressants for life. For many, antidepressants are intended as a temporary bridge to stabilize mood while therapy, lifestyle changes, or other supports take hold. While some people with chronic or recurrent depression may benefit from multi-year or even indefinite maintenance, the majority can eventually transition off medication once they’ve had sustained remission and a clear plan for support.

When it comes time to stop medication, slow tapering is critical. Horowitz et al. demonstrated that gradually lowering the dose in a hyperbolic pattern over weeks to months reduces withdrawal symptoms and supports a smoother transition off treatment. Any decision to taper or discontinue should always be made with a healthcare provider, as individual factors such as age, treatment response, and number of past episodes play a major role in determining the safest plan

How Soon Will I Feel Better After Starting Depression Medication?

One of the first questions people ask after starting an antidepressant is, “When will I start to feel like myself again?” The answer depends on the type of medication and your unique biology—but here’s what research and clinical experience show:

Typical Timeline With Standard Antidepressants

• Early relief (1–2 weeks): Many patients notice small but encouraging changes—like better sleep, more energy, or a slight lift in mood—within the first couple of weeks of taking an SSRI or SNRI.

• Full effect (4–6 weeks): For most people, the major improvements—less sadness, more motivation, clearer thinking—take about a month to six weeks of consistent daily dosing.

• Early response matters: Studies show that if you feel at least a little better within the first two weeks, you’re more likely to experience strong benefits by week six. If nothing changes by then, your prescriber may discuss adjusting the dose or switching medications.

Patient matters when taking medication to manage depression. Antidepressants don’t work like a pain pill. They slowly rebalance brain chemistry and nerve connections.

What medications are used to resolve depression? And how do they work?

The most common starting point is a group of medicines called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They increase serotonin, a chemical messenger linked to mood regulation, by preventing the brain from reabsorbing it too quickly. Popular options in this class include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa). SSRIs are often chosen first because they’re effective, generally well tolerated, and available as inexpensive generics.

Another widely used group is SNRIs, which stands for serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These medications, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), work on both serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help lift mood while also boosting energy and motivation.

If these first-line options don’t provide enough relief, doctors may consider atypical antidepressants. These medicines act on different brain chemicals like dopamine or a combination of pathways. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), for example, tends to be energizing and is less likely to cause sexual side effects, while mirtazapine (Remeron) can promote sleep and appetite, making it helpful when insomnia or weight loss is an issue.

Older classes such as tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs are still available and sometimes used when newer medications haven’t worked. They can be very effective but often come with more side effects or dietary restrictions, so they require closer monitoring.

For people with treatment-resistant depression, a newer option is ketamine or its FDA-approved nasal spray form, esketamine (Spravato). These treatments target NMDA receptors in the brain and can relieve symptoms within hours or days, rather than weeks, though they’re generally reserved for cases where other medications haven’t helped.

At Psychiatric Specialist Center in Wellington, FL, we do NOT prescribe Benzodiazepines  (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium) except for RARE exceptions. These medications will not be prescribed for new patients. These medications will not be prescribed at all if you are also taking an opioid or Ambien.

Typical Costs of Antidepressant Medication

Generic SSRIs and SNRIs are often surprisingly affordable, sometimes as little as $4 to $15 a month with insurance or discount programs. Atypical antidepressants and brand-name versions may range from $20 to $100 monthly, depending on coverage. Ketamine and esketamine treatments are more costly, usually running several hundred dollars per session, and insurance coverage can vary widely.

Common Side Effects

All medications carry some risk of side effects, but most are manageable and often improve after the first few weeks. SSRIs and SNRIs can cause nausea, sleep changes, or sexual side effects. Bupropion may increase energy but sometimes leads to insomnia, while mirtazapine may cause drowsiness or weight gain. Tricyclics and MAOIs can lead to dry mouth, constipation, or blood-pressure changes and require careful supervision. Ketamine treatments are given in a clinical setting and can cause temporary dizziness or a brief sense of disconnection from reality during the session.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Medication?

Medication is usually considered when:

• Depression is moderate to severe. If symptoms are significantly affecting your work, relationships, or daily life, antidepressants are often recommended—either alone or combined with therapy.

• Therapy alone isn’t enough. If counseling or lifestyle changes haven’t provided enough relief after a reasonable trial, adding medication can help.

• There’s a history of relapse. People who’ve had repeated depressive episodes may benefit from medication to reduce future risk.

• Personal factors support it. Your previous response to treatment, side-effect profile, other medical conditions, and personal preference all play a role.

For mild depression, many clinicians start with psychotherapy, exercise, sleep improvement, and nutrition changes first. Medication may be added later if symptoms persist or worsen.

Depression Treatments Without Medication

Not everyone needs—or wants—antidepressants. For mild to moderate depression, non-medication treatments can be very effective, either on their own or alongside medication for more severe cases.

Schedule a confidential consultation with our team below to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options—whether that’s therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination—so you can move toward lasting relief with a plan that fits you.