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Why Are Antidepressants Bad?

Antidepressants are a type of medication used to lessen the symptoms of depression.
A government study showed that antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication in the United States. The study found that for every 100 drugs prescribed, 5.1 were antidepressants. Antidepressants are commonly used for treating depression, but also can treat other conditions as well. Unfortunately, there are some dangers of these drugs that you should be aware of before taking them.

  1. Types

    • The main types of antidepressants are SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, NDRIs (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors), SSNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), tetracyclic antidepressants and combination reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers.

    Common Side Effects

    • Although there are many different types of antidepressants, many of the side effects occur in all types of these drugs. Some of the more common side effects are nausea, increased appetite and weight gain, fatigue, agitation, restlessness, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, decreased or increased sex drive and dry mouth. While these side effects are not debilitating, there are other, more serious side effects to consider. Some of these are suicidal tendencies, addiction and withdrawal.

    Suicide

    • One of the primary concerns about antidepressants are the suicidal tendencies it causes. According to the FDA, people under 18 are more prone to developing suicidal tendencies when taking antidepressants than those over 18. Unfortunately, there is still a risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior even in those over 18. The FDA now requires all antidepressants to warn consumers about the chance of suicidal behavior, especially in adolescents.

    Addiction

    • Unfortunately, antidepressants can be addictive. Those who stop taking antidepressants too quickly risk withdrawal symptoms that have been termed as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Antidepressants are drugs that help regulate your mood by affecting the chemicals in your brain. Biopsychiatry.com states that those with prior substance abuse should not take certain types of antidepressants. Other forms of antidepressants, however, have not been proven to cause an addiction.

    Withdrawal

    • The withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants, also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, are irritability, sadness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, suicidal tendencies and dizziness. The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients using antidepressants contact their doctor to lower their dosage gradually before completely stopping the medication.

    Risks

    • The main risk of taking antidepressants is having suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Unfortunately, while not all may experience this side effect, many others do. Other risks, such as the addiction and withdrawal, may not be as serious, but can still produce the same side effects as if you were still on the drug. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any antidepressants, especially if you are under the age of 18.

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