Mental health · FAQ
How long does Anxiety & depression treatment take to work?
Short answer
Sertraline or escitalopram for Anxiety & depression usually needs several weeks of daily use before the full benefit can be judged. Some changes may appear sooner. Results vary. Keep taking it as prescribed and attend follow-up visits. Tell your physician promptly if symptoms worsen or you develop troubling side effects.
Sertraline and escitalopram do not provide instant relief. Some people notice changes in sleep, appetite, or energy before they notice a change in mood or anxiety. The full benefit may take several weeks or longer. Results vary. Your dose, symptoms, health history, and how regularly you take the medicine can affect the timeline.
Keep taking the medication as your prescribing physician and label direct. Do not raise the dose because you have not noticed a change yet. Your physician can help decide when enough time has passed to assess treatment and whether a dose change or another approach is appropriate.
Tracking sleep, mood, anxiety, and side effects can help during follow-up visits. Therapy and other supports may also be part of your care plan. Results vary. Contact your physician sooner if symptoms worsen, you feel unusually restless or energized, or side effects are hard to manage. If you have thoughts of self-harm or are in crisis, call or text 988. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.