Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States. According to the CDC, 9.3% of physician office visits indicated depression on the medical record[1]. This is a statistic based on information available prior to this year. An increase in isolation, stress, and uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 has only exacerbated this condition in 2020. There are various methods of treating depression including prescription antidepressants, behavioral therapy, and alternative therapies.
What are Antidepressants?
First developed in the 1950s, antidepressants are a type of medication that is used to treat depression, anxiety, and other related mental health disorders.
These medications can be life-saving when an individual is severely struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Does that mean that the sharp rise in antidepressant prescriptions over the past few years is a good thing? In order to answer this question, it is beneficial to have a deeper understanding of what antidepressants do, how they can be helpful, and what risks are involved with their use.
Types of Antidepressants
There are a number of different types of antidepressants and they can be broken down into 4 groups:
- Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Noradrenaline and specific serotoninergic antidepressants (NASSAs)
SSRIs are by far the most common form of antidepressant that is prescribed, but there is a major benefit to having these other options available. The reality is that each and every individual is different. Our biology, genetics, and environment differ. Therefore, what causes our depression and how we will react to each of these medications can vary greatly. Having options means being able to find a medication that works best for the individual.
How Do Antidepressants Work?
Each type of antidepressant medication works a little differently. The most common medications, SSRIs and SNRIs essentially work through mechanisms that increase the production of serotonin. Below is a video that takes you through each type of antidepressant and how they work to treat depression.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T25jvLC6X0w
Side Effects
One of the drawbacks of SSRIs and other antidepressants is that the majority of side effects typically present during the first 2 weeks of use, when they still have not taken full effect. This means that in addition to feels of sadness and depression, the individual may also experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Mania or Hypnermania
- Suicidal thoughts
In addition to the above side effects, some report feeling emotionally numb. Some describe a lack of emotion, motivation, or desire. Additionally, it can lead to a reduced sex drive.
Are Antidepressants Addictive?
Many of the drugs that are addictive are such because the human body builds a tolerance, meaning they need to consume more and more in order to achieve the same effects. Antidepressants do not require the user to take greater amounts in order to continue to receive the same results. In this way, they are not addictive, but that doesn’t mean that individuals cannot develop an antidepressant use disorder.
The ultimate goal of medication is to help the individual get to a state where they are productive in developing the tools and skills to overcome an illness and eventually remove the need for medication. Unfortunately, many Americans become dependant on these medications in order to get through their day-to-day life. They end up taking antidepressants for months, years, or decades (ie: becoming addicted).
Overcoming Antidepressant Addiction
Even if you or a loved one does feel like an addiction to antidepressants has developed, it is important not to stop taking the medication without consulting a doctor. When coming off of antidepressant medications, it is critical to have a plan in place and to have alternative mechanisms of dealing with depression and anxiety. Additionally, the individual should be prepared for potential withdrawal symptoms.
Antidepressant Withdrawal
Although antidepressant withdrawal is not like withdrawal from many other drugs, some symptoms do present for about a third of people who stop using SNRIs and SSRIs. Symptoms may include:
- anxiety
- dizziness
- flu-like symptoms
- abdominal pain
- nightmares or vivid dreams
- experiencing electric shock-like sensations
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