How long does it typically take for antidepressants to exert their full therapeutic effect?

Antidepressants generally take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, with the common timeframe being around 4 to 6 weeks. This delayed onset is primarily due to the time it takes for these medications to alter neurotransmitter levels and for the brain to adapt to these changes. While some patients may start to feel improvements sooner, often within the first two weeks, the complete therapeutic effects typically manifest around the 4 to 6-week mark. This slow onset is essential for clinicians to monitor the patient's progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, as many antidepressants require consistent usage over time for optimal results.