Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause major difficulties. It can lead to poor self-esteem, social withdrawal, weight gain or loss, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts.
If you or a loved one is considering taking antidepressants, it’s important to know the truth about them. To help clear up the most common myths people have about taking antidepressants, we’ve rounded up some facts and tips.
Myth 1: Antidepressants are a quick fix
Antidepressants can be effective in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, but it’s important to understand that medications are only one part of treating the condition. In addition, talk therapy, social support, and lifestyle changes are also helpful.
Some antidepressants can take up to four weeks before they start working, so it’s important to stick with them as long as your doctor prescribes. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks, ask your doctor about changing the dose or adding another medication to see if it will work for you.
Most antidepressants do not work immediately and may need to be taken for several months before they are effective. It’s important to continue taking them as prescribed by your doctor because stopping them too soon can cause the depression or anxiety to return.
The drugs increase the levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate feelings, emotions and behavior. These chemicals include serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Higher levels of these chemicals tend to be associated with lower levels of depression.
But, these results are based on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of patients who have responded acutely to antidepressants, not those who have been suffering from depression for a long time. The same drugs are not more effective in preventing depression relapse (the return of depressive symptoms) than they are in relieving it in the first place, according to a meta-analysis of 31 trials that included over 45,000 participants.
In many of these trials, only a small percentage of participants were able to respond to antidepressants. This makes it difficult to evaluate if these results are true for the general population.
There is evidence that people with a history of suicidal ideation or other risk factors for suicide, such as family or relationship issues, may have an increased chance of having suicidal thoughts and acting on them while they are taking antidepressants. This increased risk is particularly true for young children, teenagers and young adults.
Because the effects of depression medication vary from person to person, and different drugs can have side effects that make it hard to use, you need to work with your doctor to find an antidepressant that is right for you. This can sometimes involve trying a few different types of drugs before you find one that works well for you.
Myth 2: Antidepressants are a one-size-fits-all solution
There is no single “cure” for depression; however, there are many effective treatments. Whether you choose medication, therapy, lifestyle changes or a combination, the goal is to find an approach that works best for you.
Some antidepressants are more effective for some people than others. This is why depression medication treatment usually involves a trial-and-error process that includes trying several different medications or a combination of medications.
In addition, some antidepressants are more likely to cause side effects than others. That’s why it’s important to discuss your concerns with your mental health provider and to make sure you take the medication properly.
The most common types of antidepressants include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and atypical antidepressants. The most commonly prescribed SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
MAOIs were among the first antidepressants to come onto the market, but they are now rarely used due to their negative interactions with other medications. Likewise, tricyclics are typically only prescribed if other antidepressants haven’t worked or if you’ve had a history of sexual dysfunction.
Lastly, atypical antidepressants are newer drugs that don’t fit neatly into any of the other categories. They often work more slowly and may require you to take them for a longer period of time before you see any noticeable effects.
Antidepressants are not a quick fix, but they can help reduce the symptoms of depression and improve your quality of life. They can also reduce the risk of suicide in people who are depressed. But it’s important to remember that you should not stop taking an antidepressant suddenly. Instead, you should carefully wean off the medication over time under your doctor’s supervision.
Myth 3: Antidepressants have long-lasting side effects
Antidepressants are an important part of treatment for depression, but like any medication, they can have side effects. These side effects aren’t always painful or dangerous, but they may cause problems with your overall health and quality of life.
People who take antidepressants often experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking them abruptly. Fortunately, these symptoms can be managed by decreasing the dosage slowly under the direction of your doctor.
The fact is that most antidepressants work by boosting levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in your brain. These hormones can improve your mood and help you function better by reducing stress and improving sleep patterns.
In the first few days of taking an antidepressant, your levels of serotonin aren’t very high, so you may experience some irritability or anxiety. This is normal and will go away as the drug starts to work and serotonin levels in your brain adjust.
If you have any concerns about these symptoms, call your provider or seek medical attention right away. This can help avoid serious consequences, such as serotonin syndrome, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
While there is no evidence that antidepressants increase suicide rates, some people who have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide are more likely to do so when they begin taking antidepressants or when their doses are changed. If you or someone you know feels they are having thoughts of suicide, ask your provider about ways to stay safe.
It’s also a good idea to be open and honest about everything you take, especially medications, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Make sure your provider knows about all of these so they can prescribe the best combination of medications to keep you safe.
As long as you are following the instructions on your prescription and you have a good support system, antidepressants can be an effective treatment option for depression. But don’t forget to take the medications as directed and consult with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Myth 4: Antidepressants will change my personality
Antidepressants work by balancing out the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This helps calm your mood and ease depression symptoms. But, like many medications, they can have side effects.
One of the most common myths about antidepressants is that they will change your personality. This is a fear that comes from the stigma of mental illness and is often repeated on social media by politicians and right-wing conservatives who are trying to smear people with depression.
There are a few reasons why antidepressants don’t necessarily change your personality. First, they only treat depression. If you have a psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety or PTSD, antidepressants may not be the best choice. It is also important to note that some people who are not depressed still experience mood swings and changes in behavior while on these medications.
Some of these side effects can be very bothersome, so it’s important to monitor them and talk to your doctor about them. But, overall, they don’t last long.
If you feel like your personality is changing while on your medication, it’s a sign that your body is adjusting to the medicine. Those changes can include increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, or an increase in extroversion, but those are generally temporary.
In addition, some medications can have serious side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your provider, as they can be life-threatening if not treated.
Lastly, if you are feeling overwhelmed by your depression or other health issues while taking these medications, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This will help you get the support you need.
While some people do experience these changes, it is rare and usually only happens when a person takes a high dose of an antidepressant or changes the dose they are taking. Ultimately, this is a decision that should be made by your health care professional with the help of your family.