Antidepressants belong to a family of meds known for allaying anxieties and depression. There are many sub-classes in this genre; of which, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRIs – are quite popular. These meds are used for several mental conditions like anxiety-based conditions, depression, panic, etc. Sertraline is one of the popular drugs in the SSRI family of medications. But do you know how long does sertraline take to work for anxiety? It is a vital thing to have more inputs.
Messages travel from one neuron (read: cells of central nervous system) through a tiny gap in between them; these are labelled as synapses. Transmitters like serotonin play a key role in transmitting and relaying messages. A substantial share of serotonin (and other such chemicals) is absorbed by the transmitting cell. This is termed as reuptake.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibiting (SSRI) meds are made to block the reuptake of neurotransmitters. This makes way for more serotonin availability in your nervous system. Owing to this property, SSRIs are administered for a wide range of mental conditions viz., anxieties, mood swings including depressive disorders, spells of panic, etc.
In this light, what is sertraline?
This is an antidepressant drug forming part of the SSRI genre. It is used for a broad range of conditions like social anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxieties, etc. This SSRI medication also bears the needful approval to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder i.e., PTSD and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, etc.
Sertraline received its clearances in US in the early part of 1990s. It can be procured as a generic drug; this means you can buy it at substantially lower costs than branded formulations. Today, it ranks as one of the top 12 medications administered in US.
Sertraline
How long does sertraline take to work for anxiety?
Antidepressant meds- in general – need sometime to start working for conditions like anxiety. In case of sertraline, you will need to take it for more than 5 weeks. During this duration, dosages must be regularly taken – in accordance to the advice of your mental-health specialist.
First few signs of relief from anxieties may however take 2 to 3 weeks into your medication plan. There are also instances people have taken a longer time to witness signs of relief. On sensing no palpable change in anxieties, it is recommended to complete a 6-week course of sertraline dosing.
When taking sertraline, avoid alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Grapefruit may interfere with how your body processes the medication. High-fat meals can slow absorption, while caffeine may heighten anxiety. Processed foods high in sugar and artificial additives can worsen mood swings. Stick to a balanced diet for the best results.
If you see no big change in anxiety levels, your treating physician may prescribe other suitable alternatives. In many cases, an extended time-window is needed for active ingredients of sertraline to bring about needful neuroplastic alterations.
Also, your dosage levels matter a lot in the recovery process. Those who take lower doses – of say, 25 milligrams each day, may witness slower progress of the remedial actions. On the other hand, those who take a larger dosage strength – of 200 milligrams / day – tend to see faster therapeutic actions.
Moreover, if you have used serotonergic drugs or related supplements, you may see the drug working at a quicker pace. In this milieu, it is essential to tell your doctor of all other drugs you are currently using. For instance, if you are taking illicit meds –remedial outcomes may take a longer time to set-in.
It is a safe practice to tell your physician of all over-the-counter meds, prescription drugs, herbal aids and dietary supplements. Also, if you have drink alcohol regularly, you need to inform your doctor of such habits. Your doctor may advise you to stop the intake of alcohol or other such intoxicants.
Lastly, presence of any prior ailments may also delay the effective functioning of sertraline. If you have pre-existing problems like bipolar disorder or Alzheimer’s, your caregiver must know of all such conditions. Above all, to know more about how long sertraline takes to work for anxiety, talk to a qualified mental health professional.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
