How long to adjust?

How long did it take you to adjust to your anti-anxiety (or depressant) medication? Both in the sense of how long you experienced side effects and how long before you started feeling better? I have finally made a doctors appointment for next week and am going to try to get on something for my anxiety. I’ve needed it for many years but have just started being honest with myself and accepting that I need it and that I shouldn’t be ashamed. But I am very scared to take mind-altering drugs. Herbal supplements (ashwagandha) and natural methods (exercise, sun, etc) aren’t cutting it for me.

ANY advice appreciated.