Why do antidepressants take several months to build up proper levels but only a few days to metabolize out?
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Many antidepressants are SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is made in the brain and is disposed of after use by being reabsorbed or “reuptaken”.
A reuptake inhibitor slows down the removal of the serotonin so more sticks around on average, keeping activating parts of the brain more. When you start taking the SSRI it starts working immediately but you haven’t had time to make more serotonin to build up to the desired level. When you stop taking the SSRI the now higher rate of reuptake will clear the excess serotonin away fairly quickly, much faster than it took to build up.
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