Antidepressants are a type of medicine that help treat and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Sometimes, they can also be used in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, nerve damage, headache and low back pain.
Over the years, the use of antidepressants has been on the rise. However, many people, who could actually benefit from them, never take one due to the fear they have about the medications. Having said that, we spoke to Dr Gautami Nagabhirava, Senior Neuropsychiatrist, Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, to help us understand some of the most common fears and the facts around antidepressants.
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Fear #1 Are Antidepressants Addictive?
Many people believe antidepressants are addictive. Dr Nagabhirava disagrees and says, “Antidepressants are not addictive and do not lead to cravings or dependence like substances, such as alcohol or opioids.”
However, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) suggests that prolonged use may make the body accustomed to antidepressants and people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking them suddenly. According to the health body, about 80% of people who suddenly stop taking antidepressants or reduce dosage too quickly experience discontinuation syndrome or withdrawal symptoms, which may develop within a few days of stopping the medication and may stay for weeks.
It is therefore advisable to speak with your doctor before making any decisions.
Fear #2 Starting Antidepressants Mean Taking It Regularly
Dr Nagabhirava mentions that the regular use of antidepressants depends on the individual and their specific condition. “In most cases, they are prescribed for a specific duration, often several months, to stabilise mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. However, some people may need them long-term to prevent the recurrence of depressive episodes,” he adds.
Fear #3 Antidepressants Affect Sex Life And Libido
This may be true unfortunately. Research suggests antidepressant medications can cause difficulty with sexual functions like sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm, adding that the rates of sexual dysfunction with antidepressant use are very high, particularly during the adjustment phase.
Dr Nagabhirava is also of the opinion that people on antidepressants may experience a decrease in sexual desire or difficulties achieving and maintaining erections or orgasms while taking certain antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
However, he notes that the medication can have varying effects on an individual's sex life and libido and not everyone will have these side effects. In addition, different antidepressants may affect people differently. “Some can improve sexual desire by improving the underlying depression,” he stresses.
Fear #4 Antidepressants Changes Personalities
“Antidepressants do not fundamentally change one's personality,” says Dr Nagabhirava, explaining, “They are designed to alleviate the symptoms of depression by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain.”
If taken correctly and as advised by the doctor, they may help individuals regain their motivation, energy, and interest in life while not altering the core personality traits.
“It's crucial to remember that the goal of antidepressants is to bring you back to a baseline state where you can engage in therapy and make positive changes in your life,” the doctor adds.
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How Do Antidepressants Actually Work?
If we get into the science of it, Dr Nagabhirava says, “Antidepressants primarily work by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, in the brain, which play a role in regulating mood.”
In simple terms, antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin, in the brain. This helps improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression by enhancing communication between nerve cells.
The most common mistake to avoid is discontinuing medication without consulting a psychiatrist. As mentioned earlier, abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a relapse of depression.
Additionally, it's also important to communicate openly with your psychiatrist about any side effects, concerns, or changes in your mood while on antidepressants so that they can make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, advises Dr Nagabhirava. Furthermore, taking antidepressants exactly as prescribed and not exceeding the recommended dosage is crucial for their effectiveness and safety.
Most importantly, avoid combining the use of antidepressants with alcohol or recreational drugs as it can be dangerous, shares the doctor.