Why antidepressants take weeks to show their benefits ?

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Hello

Few days ago I read that scientists have finally figured why antidepressants take weeks to start showing their effects. According to the study SSRI’s increase the synaptic density and many more things which I didnt understand. I am curious to know what this study tells because I was a SSRI user for 2 years and am excited to know what this study tells.

[https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/why-antidepressants-may-take-weeks-to-show-benefits/](https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/why-antidepressants-may-take-weeks-to-show-benefits/)

[https://scitechdaily.com/brain-plasticity-ssris-breakthrough-on-how-antidepressants-work-why-they-take-weeks-to-kick-in/](https://scitechdaily.com/brain-plasticity-ssris-breakthrough-on-how-antidepressants-work-why-they-take-weeks-to-kick-in/)

Peer reviewed study – [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02285-8](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02285-8)

Thank you

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3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

As the name suggests SSRIs inhibit the uptake of Serotonin back into the neurons. However, this direct effect actually ISN’T what causes the clinically significant effects of these drugs. That is caused by epigenetic factors in the nucleus of our cells which modify our gene expression to change the number of receptors expressed on each cells. These genetic changes take some time which is why SSRIs don’t work immediately like most other drugs thst affect neurotransmitters.

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