The truth about antidepressants

Who should take antidepressants?

Antidepressants are a type of drug used to treat depression. They can be prescribed by doctors, such as a GP or psychiatrist, for a range of mood disorders including:

• anxiety issues
• phobias
• eating disorders such as bulimia

Some people also use antidepressants as part of a pain management treatment plan for ongoing (chronic) pain.

There are many different types of antidepressants, including:

• selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• tricyclics

A doctor will find the best option for you.

How do antidepressants work?

Antidepressants target chemicals in your brain that can impact your mood.

They help to balance your levels of serotonin and noradrenaline. This may raise your mood. But there is not strong evidence to show that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. This means antidepressants don’t work for everyone.

Is there anything wrong with taking antidepressants?

You might be aware of some negative views of antidepressant use.

Perhaps you worry people will judge you or think less of you for using these medications. But if they help to reduce your symptoms of depression there is absolutely nothing wrong with using them.

For many people, using antidepressants in combination with a talking therapy can help. This is especially true for people with moderate to severe depression. You can also combine antidepressant treatment with other healthy lifestyle changes that may boost your mood.

These include:

• regular movement
• a balanced, nutrient dense diet
• quality sleep
• stress management techniques
• socialising

What are the side effects of antidepressant use?

Just like any medications, antidepressants can cause side effects. Some common antidepressant side effects include:

• increased anxiety or agitation (this should decrease after a couple of weeks)
• stomach upset
• difficulty sleeping
• dry mouth

A recent study has shown that side effects can vary quite a lot between different types of antidepressants. For example, some can lead to an increase in weight gain, blood pressure, and heart rate. And others may lead to weight loss, and a lower heart rate.

This means some antidepressants may be better for you than others, depending on your general health. A doctor can help you to choose the best option for your situation.

In severe cases you may experience suicidal thoughts when taking antidepressants. Report any worrying symptoms to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They may switch you to a different type of antidepressant or a lower dose.

What are the long-term effects of taking antidepressants?

For some people, the benefits of long-term antidepressant treatment may outweigh any downsides. However, it’s important to know about any potential long-term risks.

If you take antidepressants for a long time (several years or more) you may be at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is more likely if you are over the age of 30 and are taking either SSRI or tricyclic antidepressants.

There is also some evidence to suggest that long term antidepressant use can increase your risk of heart disease. Speak to a doctor if you are concerned about long term antidepressant use.

What should I know about stopping antidepressants?

Stopping antidepressants suddenly can cause serious and very unpleasant side effects. But if antidepressants are gradually reduced in a safe way following advice from your doctor, this can reduce your risk of withdrawal effects.

Symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal can include:

• increased anxiety and irritability
• nightmares or issues sleeping
• headaches and dizziness
• electricity like sensations (often referred to as brain zaps)

What are the alternatives to antidepressants?

Talking therapies are usually recommended for people with depression, with or without antidepressant treatment. These may include:

• counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• sessions with a clinical psychologist

Counselling focuses on discussing difficulties in your life and listening to your concerns. Whereas CBT is about challenging unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more realistic ones.

If you are feeling depressed, you don’t have to suffer alone. There is lots of support in place to help you feel better. Please reach out to a doctor or health care practitioner for help and guidance.