The SSRIs usually take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to start working, and as much as 12 weeks to reach their full effect.

When I was on Paxil many moons ago, I noticed a change about 2 1/2 weeks in. I remember waking up one morning and instantly realizing I was better. And I continued to get better, and stayed better, for a long time. It stopped working after a couple of years, but I upped my dose and got better again for a while. Trouble is, I didn't have a clue that I was bipolar then, and when the Paxil pooped out, I tried Prozac. It didn't do anything for me. THEN I tried Wellbutrin, which threw me into my first mixed episode and basically effed me up for good.

Now I'm on a BP cocktail of Lamictal, Celexa, and Ativan, which work together pretty well. I was a bit manic on Celexa by itself, but the Lamictal has gone a long way toward restoring me to sanity. Best of luck to you, H-B; I know you've really been through a lot lately and hope this is the right combination for you.