Since SSRI raise serotonin levels almost immediately , why isnt there an immediate effect if depressed people lack serotonin ?

Question

Since SSRI raise serotonin levels almost immediately , why isnt there an immediate effect if depressed people lack serotonin ?

In: 57

Answer 1

Short answer is we don’t know for sure. But the theory is it takes 8 weeks before new neural connections are formed and this is thought to be the cause of the antidepressant affect. Ketamine seems to do this too but much more quickly. But still just a theory so far.