The effect of antidepressants on the psyche. What is depression? Antidepressants can be addictive

It may take 2-4 weeks before you notice improvement in your symptoms after starting antidepressants.

During this time, you may experience the following side effects:

• Anxiety and excitement
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea

These side effects may be unpleasant at first, but it is important to continue treatment so that your body gradually gets used to the medication.

How an antidepressant works

Antidepressants increase levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain.

Neurotransmitter levels will rise gradually, so it takes several weeks for people taking antidepressants to notice their effects.

It is necessary to take the medicine constantly, observing the recommended dosage, and wait for the results to appear. For them to appear, antidepressants should be taken for at least 4-6 weeks. If there are no results after this, your doctor may prescribe you a different type of antidepressant.

Some antidepressants not only relieve the symptoms of depression, but also have a psychostimulant effect. When taking them, the patient often has problems falling asleep. But even in this case, further treatment with antidepressants should not be abandoned. It is necessary to consult a doctor and ask him to change the scheme of therapy. For example, your doctor may recommend that you take the necessary medicines in the morning and afternoon.

Mechanism of action of antidepressants

Currently, the pharmacy network sells a wide variety of antidepressants belonging to various groups of medicinal substances. But the action of most of them is the same and is aimed at changing the content in the brain tissues of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Their deficiency leads to various disorders of the psyche and central nervous activity, in particular, causes the development of depression.

The action of antidepressants is that they either increase the content of neurotransmitters in the brain, or make brain cells more susceptible to them. All antidepressants are prescribed for fairly long courses. This is due to the fact that they do not begin to show their effect immediately. Often, the positive effect of taking the drug begins to develop only after a few weeks from the start of its administration. In cases where it is required that the action of antidepressants be manifested faster, the doctor may prescribe them in injections.

According to reviews, antidepressants are quite effective medicines. Their reception reliably eliminates such manifestations of depression as a feeling of hopelessness, loss of interest in life, apathy, sadness, anxiety and melancholy.

What to do if antidepressants don't help?

You can often hear from people that it makes no sense to take these drugs, in view of their inefficiency. But most often the problem lies in the fact that a person buys antidepressants in a pharmacy without a prescription, and, therefore, without consulting a doctor. In this case, the medicine may simply not be right for you, or you may be taking it in the wrong dosage. Contact your doctor and he will prescribe the necessary treatment for you. In addition, do not forget that in order to correctly assess the effectiveness of antidepressant treatment, they should be taken for a long time, at least three months.

Side effects of antidepressants

Taking any medication, including antidepressants, can lead to the development of side effects. Antidepressants, according to reviews, most often cause a slight feeling of nausea, problems with falling asleep, and very rarely, violations in the sexual sphere. As practice shows, all these side effects are observed in the first days of taking antidepressants and subsequently disappear on their own, without requiring any additional treatment.

Most modern drugs for the treatment of depression practically do not react with other medications taken. But if you buy antidepressants without a prescription and take any other drugs, including dietary supplements (dietary supplements), then be sure to consult a specialist about the safety of taking them together .

Stopping antidepressants

You should not stop taking antidepressants abruptly, as this can cause the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness
• vivid dreams
• Sensations in the body, reminiscent of an electric shock

If you have been taking antidepressants for at least four weeks and have not seen any (or almost any) improvement, contact your doctor. He may recommend that you increase your dosage or prescribe a different antidepressant.

If you want to stop taking antidepressants, your doctor will likely begin to taper your dosage gradually over the next four weeks to ease the withdrawal symptoms.

It happens that depression becomes the engine to success. For example, lyrical depression during which Goethe and Pushkin worked. Or dysphoria (angry depression with sudden mood swings), in which a person seeks to prove to everyone around him what he is capable of.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood when a person feels despair, inadequacy. This mood is characterized by a decline in activity and efficiency, sadness and pessimism.

In our country, very little is known about depression, and the existing ideas about it are rather distorted. Actually, everything that we know about depression can be classified as myths. Here are the most common:

Myth 1: autumn depression is for whiners

If we conditionally divide people into those prone to depression and not prone, then about 5-7% of people from all over the globe will fall into the second category. In psychiatry, these people are called "solar natures." For everyone else, unfortunately, at least once in a lifetime comes the blues. Who feels psychologically uncomfortable in autumn?

• People with weak vegetative. In the first place they have pressure surges and bouts of dystonia, as a result of which a depressive mood arises. Approximately 15% of people fall into this category.
• Cyclic personalities. These are ordinary healthy people who, nevertheless, are prone to frequent mood swings. Such people are called too sensitive. In autumn, these people feel a sharp decline in strength, everything falls out of their hands, headaches, tears and irritability appear. There are about 20% of such people.
• There is another special group of people who often experience autumn depression - hormone-dependent. This category includes, for example, pregnant women or women experiencing menopause, as well as people with thyroid diseases.

Myth 2: Stress or shock is always the trigger for depression.

In fact, much depends on the psychotype of a person. It happens that the experienced stress introduces a person into a state of post-traumatic depression. However, it often happens that just a shock can cause a person to exit a depressive state.

Most often, depression is the result of the accumulation of negative emotions. Sometimes, in order to identify the cause of the disease, it is necessary to “rewind” the life of the patient several years ago.

Stress manifests itself differently for everyone. For someone, it results in purely psychological manifestations - the appearance of phobias, undisguised depression. And in other people, the stress experienced provokes diseases of the internal organs. Psychiatrists call this phenomenon somatized or masked depression.

In choleric people, stress most often provokes diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart attack, coronary artery disease, hypertension), as well as urological problems and duodenal ulcers.

Melancholic people after experienced stress run the risk of earning a stomach ulcer, neurodermatitis, asthmatic conditions.

But phlegmatic and sanguine people are less prone to nervous diseases.

Myth 3: Depression is not a disease and does not need treatment.

In fact, depression is a rather serious disease, the main danger of which is an increased tendency to suicide. Undoubtedly, a person can cope with mild depression on their own, but in severe cases it can last for years, constantly intensifying and developing into a more severe form, for example, into a manic-depressive psychosis.

Myth 4: Depression is for life

This statement is fundamentally wrong. A person needs adequate treatment, during which he can forever forget what depression is.

If depression occurs in a mild form, then in order to overcome it, it will be enough just to shake things up. But if you notice the following signs, then you should see a doctor without delay:

• Weakness and bad mood, inability to concentrate for more than one week;
• You wake up in the morning with bad thoughts and a feeling of longing;
• A depressive state occurs against the background of general well-being, that is, it does not at all correspond to the environment;
• Sleep is disturbed - you stop sleeping well at night, or you start, on the contrary, to sleep a lot during the day;
• You have obsessive thoughts about suicide.

Myth 5: All you have to do is ask for help, they will feed you with antidepressants

In the treatment of depression, an integrated approach is very important: psychotherapy and medications. Moreover, there is no universal treatment regimen. Asthenic depressions will be treated with stimulants, and anxiety depressions will be treated with sedatives. In any case, everything is individual and depends on the patient's condition.

Myth 6: Antidepressants are dangerous to health

Actually, there is some truth in this statement. Antidepressants, even modern ones, have a rather impressive number of side effects, although professional specialists try to choose the exact dosage for their patients: to help as much as possible and harm as little as possible.

Most often, antidepressants cause dizziness and headaches, photophobia, palpitations, sweating, decreased libido, loss or increase in appetite.

In any case, it must be remembered that depression can last for years, constantly getting worse, and the side effects will disappear immediately after the drug is discontinued.

Myth 7: Antidepressants are addictive

Antidepressants are never physically addictive. The only thing is that psychological dependence may occur, but it can also arise from ascorbic acid. One has only to look at the children, who all the time ask to buy “big tasty pills” at the pharmacy. The real psychological addiction!

Myth 8: Why do I need a doctor, I can prescribe antidepressants myself

After such a reception, a wide variety of consequences should be expected. The chance that these medications, chosen at random, will help is minimal. Antidepressants, and especially their dosages, the doctor selects strictly individually.

Myth 9: You can stop taking antidepressants at any time.

While taking antidepressants, the patient should be under the strict supervision of a physician. In no case should the patient stop drinking medication on their own, explaining that it has become easier for him.

Myth 10: Depression is just a lack of positive attitude

Here are the most common types of depression that manifest themselves in different ways:

• Anxious - a person feels causeless anxiety and general anxiety.
• Angry - everything annoys and angers a person.
• Asthenic - depression of exhaustion. The person always feels tired.
• Grumbling - a person constantly complains and whines, is dissatisfied with everything.
• Apathetic - complete indifference to the outside world.
• Masked - manifests itself in the form of diseases of the internal organs.
• Smiling - outwardly the person is benevolent, but under this mask lies heartache, longing and indifference.
• Anhedonic - satiety with emotions, inability to feel joy.
• Depression without depression - dissatisfaction with oneself and the whole world, blues, inability to determine one's desires.

Antidepressants For many years, they have been widely used in medical practice not only for the treatment of depressive conditions, but also as part of the complex therapy of other diseases. Their effect on metabolic processes in the central nervous system is used in psychiatry, neurology and some other areas of medicine. This is partly due to the fact that many antidepressants have quite strong secondary and side effects. Some of them, in addition to the antidepressant action, cause drowsiness, others eliminate the feeling of anxiety and fear. Of course, the use of drugs with such a wide spectrum of action is possible only as prescribed by specialists.

Indications and contraindications for antidepressants

The main indication for the use of antidepressants, based on their name, are depression of varying severity. All drugs in this group effectively eliminate the symptoms, manifestations, and sometimes the causes of this mental disorder. However, antidepressants are often prescribed for other pathologies associated with mental or nervous activity.

In certain cases, the following diseases can be considered indications for the use of antidepressants:

• some hormonal disorders, etc.

It should be noted that with the above pathologies, antidepressants are not necessary for all patients. They can be included in complex therapy by the attending physician to eliminate some of the symptoms. As a rule, the course of treatment in this case is limited to several weeks. Self-administration of antidepressants without a clearly formulated diagnosis often leads to serious complications and numerous side effects.

Since antidepressants have a wide range of side effects and affect, to one degree or another, the work of many organs and systems, they have quite a few contraindications. Not all contraindications are indicated in the instructions for specific drugs. That is why specialists conduct a thorough diagnosis before prescribing an antidepressant and when choosing the optimal dose. This is necessary to identify associated health problems ( of which the patient is sometimes unaware) and avoid the most serious complications.

Most antidepressants are contraindicated for the following health problems:

• Individual intolerance to the drug. The immune system of each person has its own characteristics. With individual intolerance to certain chemical compounds, the patient may develop an allergic reaction to the prescribed drug. If the patient has already had an allergy to the drug of this group in the past, this may be considered a contraindication to the appointment.
• Glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which intraocular pressure increases. Critical elevation can lead to damage to the optic nerve and permanent blindness. Some antidepressants can provoke an attack, so they are not prescribed to patients ( usually the elderly) with glaucoma.
• Recovery after myocardial infarction. Some antidepressants can cause heart problems. In people after a myocardial infarction, the heart muscle is weak, and such a load can endanger their health and life. They try to prescribe antidepressants 4 to 6 months after a heart attack. These patients should be consulted prior to use. cardiologist ( enroll) .
• Structural damage to the brain. Trauma, stroke, and some infections can leave patients with structural damage to nerve tissue in the brain. This makes predicting the effects of antidepressants much more difficult.
• Disorders of the innervation of the intestine. The smooth muscles of the intestine are responsible for its contraction and partly for the normal digestion of food. Some antidepressants affect the nerves that regulate smooth muscle. Therefore, problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation or diarrhea may worsen while taking them.
• Urination disorders. The innervation of the ureters and bladder is also regulated by smooth muscles. Taking antidepressants can cause urinary retention or urinary incontinence. Patients with similar problems antidepressants are prescribed with caution.
• Severe renal or hepatic failure. The liver and kidneys are vital organs that are responsible for the biochemical transformation and excretion of many substances, including drugs. Severe violations of their work are a serious contraindication to taking many antidepressants, since the medicine will not be normally absorbed by the body.
• Problems with blood pressure. Taking antidepressants can cause an intermittent increase or decrease in blood pressure ( as a side effect). Patients with hypertension ( high blood pressure) they should be prescribed with caution, under the supervision of specialists.
• Pregnancy and lactation ( for some drugs). For some antidepressants, pregnancy and lactation are an absolute contraindication, as these drugs can cause serious harm to the health of the child.
• Age up to 6 years ( for some drugs). A number of antidepressants are harmful to a growing body. In principle, for serious mental disorders, some drugs in this group can be used up to 6 years, but only under the supervision of specialists.

There are other diseases and pathological conditions that can worsen during treatment with antidepressants. If there are serious health problems, they should be notified to the attending physician at the first consultation.

It should be noted that not all of the diseases listed above are an absolute contraindication to treatment with antidepressants. In case of severe depression, treatment will still be prescribed, just the doctor will select exactly the drug, dose and regimen that will not give serious complications. Also, during the course of treatment, additional consultations, tests or examinations may be needed.

How and in what doses to use antidepressants ( instruction)

The vast majority of antidepressants are designed for long-term use ( months, years), so a single dose of the drug will not give any visible improvement. As a rule, the patient selects the drug, the dosage regimen and the dose together with the attending physician. In addition, each drug is supplied with instructions for use, in which the optimal doses are necessarily indicated, as well as maximum dose, exceeding which is fraught with poisoning and serious side effects.

The dose and mode of administration of the drug depend on the following factors:

• The severity of the depression. In the case of severe prolonged depression, doctors usually prescribe stronger drugs, increase the dose and frequency of administration. This allows you to achieve a higher concentration of the drug in the blood and makes the therapeutic effect more noticeable.
• drug tolerance. Sometimes patients do not tolerate the prescribed drug. This can manifest itself in the form of severe side effects or allergic reactions. In this case, the doctor may, at his discretion, reduce the dose or change the drug.
• The risk of developing addiction. Some antidepressant drugs can become addictive over time. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors select the optimal dose and regimen. If necessary, they are adjusted during treatment ( for example, some antidepressants at the end of the course of treatment are not canceled immediately, but by gradually reducing the dose).
• Convenience for the patient. This criterion is taken into account in cases where other criteria have already been selected. Some people find it more convenient to take antidepressants once a day ( and sometimes less). For them, doctors select drugs with a long ( prolonged) acting at higher doses.

Withdrawal syndrome and its symptoms in case of addiction and dependence

The withdrawal syndrome is understood as a set of symptoms that appear in a patient with a sharp withdrawal of the drug, to which addiction has developed. Not all antidepressants are so addictive. Moreover, taking drugs in doses prescribed by a specialist rarely gives such a complication. In other words, the risk of being addicted to an antidepressant is not that great.

In most cases, addiction occurs in patients treated with strong antidepressants for several months. However, this addiction is very different from drug addiction. Indeed, with a sharp cessation of taking the drug, the nervous system does not have time to rebuild, and various temporary disturbances may appear. However, there is still no serious health risk in this case.

Withdrawal syndrome when taking antidepressants may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• general psychological discomfort;
• moderate muscle pain and joint pain;
• sometimes - nausea and vomiting;
• rarely - sudden pressure drops.

Severe symptoms are quite rare. They are usually stronger in people who have chronic comorbidities or other health problems. In most cases, no special treatment is required for this condition. The patient's condition is normalized within 1 - 2 weeks.

To avoid withdrawal syndrome, most experts recommend that you end the course of treatment by gradually reducing the dose of the drug. This allows the body to adapt more slowly to new conditions, and no symptoms will occur at all. AT rare cases when the patient is still concerned about the state of health after the end of the course, you should contact a specialist who will accurately determine whether it is a withdrawal syndrome or other health problems.

Overdose and poisoning with antidepressants

Taking an excessive dose of an antidepressant can cause very serious disorders in the body, which sometimes endanger the life of the patient. For each drug, the critical dose is slightly different. It is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions. However, in some cases, when the patient's body is weakened, even a smaller dose can lead to poisoning. Also, the risk of overdose is higher in children.

Symptoms of overdose and poisoning affect the work of many organs and systems, as the work of the central nervous system, which controls them, is disrupted. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of presenting symptoms and disorders. If any atypical reactions of the body appear after taking a large dose of the drug, you should immediately seek medical help.

The most common symptoms of severe antidepressant poisoning in patients are:

• sudden drowsiness or loss of consciousness ( up to pre-coma);
• cardiac arrhythmias ( more often with increased rhythm, tachycardia);
• violations of the rhythm of breathing;
• deterioration in coordination of movements, sometimes - convulsions;
• drop in blood pressure ( indicates severe poisoning and requires urgent medical attention);
• dilated pupils ( mydriasis);
• deterioration of bowel function and urinary retention.

In severe cases ( especially in children) symptoms appear quickly and without warning. The threat to life arises from severe violations of breathing and heartbeat. This state can last from several hours to several days. In case of repeated excess of the therapeutic dose, death from poisoning with antidepressants is possible.

Treatment of such poisoning is carried out in intensive care in the toxicology department. First of all, doctors will take care of maintaining the basic vital signs. Self-administration of emetics in this case is prohibited, since the organs do not work well and the patient's condition may worsen ( entry of vomit into the respiratory tract). In the hospital, special agents will be prescribed that will lower the concentration of the drug in the blood and neutralize its toxic effect on the central nervous system.

Can antidepressants be used in children and adolescents?

In principle, depression is not only an adult disease. Psychiatrists note that 6 to 8 percent of children and adolescents also suffer from its various manifestations. In some cases, children may be prescribed antidepressants as treatment. It is believed that the minimum age for most drugs in this group is 6 years, but some, the weakest, can be prescribed to young children.

In the case of the treatment of depression in children, the main groups of antidepressants are prescribed as follows:

• Tricyclic antidepressants. Due to the large number of side effects, drugs in this group can have a detrimental effect on a growing organism. They are prescribed to children extremely rarely, only under the strict supervision of doctors.
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs are also quite powerful and can lead to a variety of problems in children. They are rarely used.
• Serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The drugs in this group have a selective effect, so they do not have such a wide range of side effects. Most specialists try to prescribe them for children with depression.
• drugs of other groups. Drugs are prescribed selectively, sometimes in combination with other drugs.

It can only be unequivocally noted that the independent use of antidepressants by parents is very dangerous. The reaction of a child's body to a particular drug is very difficult to predict even for experienced professionals. There is also a high resistance sustainability) of the child's body in relation to many antidepressants. Often, even after consulting a psychiatrist, after a while you have to change the dose or drug in order to get the expected effect.

Is it safe to use antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation ( breastfeeding)?

Among antidepressants, there is a fairly large selection of drugs that are approved for use during pregnancy and lactation. As a rule, this point is indicated by the manufacturer in a separate column of the instructions. Sometimes the trimester of pregnancy is noted, in which the use of the drug is especially dangerous.

In general, taking antidepressants during pregnancy is always better to coordinate with your doctor. It is important to assess the risks of using or not using a drug and compare them. Self-administration of strong antidepressants often leads to various complications of pregnancy, as it poses a threat to the child.

Self-administration of antidepressants during pregnancy can be dangerous for the following reasons:

• Possibility of malformations. Malformations occur in a child in cases where the drug passes the placental barrier between the blood of the mother and the fetus. Some substances inhibit the division and growth of certain cells. It has been noted, for example, that a number of drugs from the SSRI group ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can lead to developmental disorders of the respiratory system. Other substances can similarly cause irreparable harm to the cardiovascular or nervous system.
• risk of pregnancy complications. In addition to harm to the fetus, there is a certain risk of complications in a pregnant woman. Changes in metabolism in the body can change the cellular composition of the blood, lead to the accumulation of toxic substances. As a result, chronic diseases can worsen in a woman, often there is a threat of miscarriage or premature birth.
• Decreased effectiveness of the drug. Due to hormonal changes in the body, some antidepressants may be less effective for pregnant women than for other patients. It is very difficult to predict this in advance, and the doctor evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment after the start of the course.

The risk of taking antidepressants while breastfeeding is somewhat lower. However, some drugs and their derivatives can be excreted in breast milk and enter the child's body. If possible, women are advised to refrain from taking these drugs while breastfeeding or to consult a doctor to find the safest medicine and the optimal dose.

Do I need to take any tests or undergo examinations before prescribing antidepressants?

In principle, patients undergo tests and examinations in order to confirm a particular diagnosis and detect various health problems. Based on this information, the specialist decides whether to prescribe a particular drug. Antidepressants are designed to fight depression and a number of other mental problems that may accompany it. In the field of psychiatry, laboratory tests and instrumental examinations are of secondary importance. Mental abnormalities can be observed even in completely healthy ( according to the results of analyzes) of people. In this case, the opinion of a qualified specialist is decisive.

However, if long-term use of antidepressants is necessary, the doctor will usually prescribe a series of tests and examinations to patients. Most often, this is necessary to detect comorbidities ( apart from depression). Almost all drugs from the group of antidepressants have many side effects associated with the work of the heart, gastrointestinal tract or other internal organs. If you do not take into account the presence of chronic pathologies, taking the drug can seriously damage the health of the patient.

To detect comorbidities, your doctor may prescribe the following tests before you start taking antidepressants:

• general blood analysis ;
• blood chemistry;
• electroencephalography;
• allergic tests;
• ultrasound examination of internal organs ( ultrasound) and etc.

The test results help to protect the patient and minimize the risk of side effects. A specific list of tests is prescribed by the attending physician at his discretion. Often, when prescribing weak antidepressants, no tests are required at all.

What is the danger of self-administration of antidepressants at home?

Most strong antidepressants with a pronounced therapeutic effect are dispensed with a prescription from a specialist. This measure is intended to limit self-medication with these drugs, as it may pose a risk to the patient. In general, antidepressants have a very diverse effect on the body. The effect of their reception can be reflected in the work of many organs and systems. This explains the possibility of developing serious side effects that the patient is not able to predict.

Self-medication with drugs from the group of antidepressants can be dangerous for the following reasons:

• Wrong diagnosis. Antidepressants can be prescribed for various diseases, but only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. The patient himself cannot accurately classify his condition. Depression can be combined with other mental disorders, and not all of them can be corrected by taking antidepressants. Such medication ( in the absence of evidence) will not give a therapeutic effect, and the risk of various complications increases significantly.
• The presence of chronic diseases and contraindications. Many patients do not know all their health problems. Some pathologies do not manifest themselves and can only be detected during special examinations. At the same time, such diseases are often contraindications to taking antidepressants. That is why these drugs should be prescribed by a doctor after a full examination of the patient, and self-medication can be dangerous.
• Possibility of drug interactions with other drugs. Often, patients take several drugs at the same time for different diseases. This combination of drugs can have negative consequences. On the one hand, the therapeutic effect can be weakened or enhanced. On the other hand, the risk of side effects and serious complications increases. The instructions for the drug do not indicate the entire list of unwanted drug interactions. To exclude a dangerous combination of drugs, it is better to consult a doctor.
• Incorrect dose selection. The calculation of the dose required to treat a patient and the regimen of taking the drug depends on many factors. The doctor, prescribing this or that medicine, is guided by the results of a preliminary examination. Patients themselves, seeking to quickly achieve a therapeutic effect, can significantly exceed the allowable dose.
• Lack of expert supervision. Most antidepressants need to be taken under the supervision of a specialist ( in the hospital or at periodic consultations). This will allow you to evaluate the therapeutic effect, notice the appearance of side effects in time and more accurately calculate the required dose of the drug. Self-administration without the supervision of a specialist is fraught with a delay in treatment, a high risk of side effects and the development of drug dependence.

Thus, the risk of self-medication far outweighs the potential benefit. It is especially dangerous to use these drugs for other purposes ( e.g. for weight loss). In these cases, careful preliminary examination and accurate dose calculation are required.

It should be noted that antidepressants, which can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, do not pose such a serious threat to the patient. However, their use without prior consultation can in some cases lead to serious consequences. For example, when taken simultaneously with some other psychoactive drugs, their effect on the body may increase, and the patient will overdose.

How long does a course of antidepressant treatment last?

The duration of treatment with antidepressants is determined by the disease that caused them to be prescribed. In most cases, the drug is prescribed for several weeks, after which the doctor evaluates its effect on the body, tolerability and effectiveness. If the patient does not experience side effects and there is a tendency to improve, antidepressants may be prescribed for several months. In the case of each individual drug, the duration of the course of treatment may be different. As a rule, drugs of this group are drunk for at least 2-3 weeks ( and often several months). Otherwise, it will be difficult to evaluate their effectiveness.

The duration of antidepressant treatment depends on the following factors:

• established diagnosis;
• the patient's condition while taking the drug ( should be positive);
• the presence of side effects;
• presence of contraindications chronic diseases);
• treatment conditions ( in the hospital or at home);
• possibility of regular consultations with a specialized specialist.

For patients with severe mental disorders, strong antidepressants may be prescribed for a long time ( several months or more). As a rule, this happens under the supervision of doctors in a hospital. The main danger of long-term treatment is addiction to most antidepressants. If a patient needs to take antidepressants for a long time to recover, the doctor may change drugs during treatment to avoid dependence.

Does long-term use of antidepressants harm the body?

Taking antidepressants almost always involves a long course of treatment, which can be associated with some complications. The most serious of them is the development of drug dependence. It can appear when taking certain drugs for several months. After the end of the course of treatment, there will be certain difficulties with the complete withdrawal of the drug ( withdrawal syndrome and its symptoms).

Other complications are rarely associated with long-term use. As a rule, problems with the digestive, nervous or cardiovascular system occur within a few weeks after the start of treatment. They are associated with the individual sensitivity of the body to a particular drug.

How soon can I drink alcohol after taking antidepressants?

In principle, there is no consensus among experts regarding the compatibility of alcohol and antidepressants yet. It is believed that some drugs in small doses can be combined with alcohol, but for each patient this small dose varies significantly. It depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the type of alcohol and other factors. It is almost impossible to foresee them all in advance and predict exactly what effect the combination of alcohol with antidepressants will give.

In general, the effect on the body of alcohol and antidepressants is almost the opposite. Despite the similar effect alcohol at the first stage liberates and cheers up), the processes occurring in the CNS are very different. Pharmacological preparations have a selective effect on a certain system, and even in the presence of side effects, they have a more stable and directed effect. Alcohol affects many organs and systems. For example, inhibition of liver function leads to a deterioration in the metabolism necessary for nervous system. In addition, the circulation of water in the body is disturbed. This partly explains the appearance of insomnia after prolonged use of alcohol.

Thus, the simultaneous use of antidepressants and alcohol will most often have negative consequences. For example, an antidepressant will not have the proper effect on enzymes, while the risk of side effects will increase. There may be more serious consequences associated with severe violations in the work of the central nervous system. In severe cases, patients can quickly develop problems with heartbeat, breathing. There is also a high risk of psychoses, neuroses and other acute psycho-emotional disorders. In this regard, it is considered safest to consume alcohol a few days after the end of antidepressant treatment ( a more precise period can be suggested by the attending physician). Alcohol abuse during the course of taking the drug simply negates the benefits of taking it.

How long do antidepressants last after use?

The tangible effect of taking most antidepressants does not occur earlier than a few weeks after the start of the course of treatment. Sometimes this period can last several months. Such a belated therapeutic effect is due to the peculiarities of the action of these drugs. In most cases, a single dose of the drug is not felt, since a sufficient concentration of the antidepressant has not yet accumulated in the blood and nerves. Over time, with proper and regular use, there is a "restructuring" of the nervous system. From this point on, the patient begins to feel an improvement in his condition. The therapeutic effect lasts throughout the course of treatment, as long as the patient continues to take the medicine.

After the end of the course and discontinuation, there may be several options:

• Full recovery. With mild depression, a properly selected drug can lead to a complete recovery in a few weeks or months. After the end of the reception, the patient no longer faces this problem and leads a normal life.
• long-term remission. This treatment outcome is the most common. After the end of treatment, the patient's nervous system functions normally for a long time. The period without depression is called remission. It can last from several months to several years. Unfortunately, in many patients, sooner or later ( usually due to stress or other factors) again develops severe depression, and the course of treatment has to be repeated.
• The return of depression. Unfortunately, this outcome is quite common. With serious mental disorders, in principle, it is very difficult to achieve a full recovery. Severe depressions may return and require a new course of treatment to resolve them. Some patients are forced to take antidepressants for years to maintain a normal state.

What antidepressants do not cause addiction and withdrawal syndrome?

Dependence on any antidepressant is not an inevitable complication of treatment. Strong addiction to the drug occurs under the condition of long-term use, a certain dose and some individual predisposition of the body. In addition, when prescribing a particular drug, doctors always try to choose a treatment regimen that will minimize the risk of addiction.

In general, not many antidepressants are highly addictive. At the legislative level, their distribution is limited. In other words, almost all prescription antidepressants sold in pharmacies can be addictive under certain conditions. Lighter drugs that can be purchased independently do not have this property. If they help well with depression, then the dependence may be more psychological, and after stopping the drug, the patient will not have a withdrawal syndrome.

You can clarify the risk of addiction to a particular drug from your doctor. This is especially important for people who have suffered from severe addiction in the past ( drug addiction, alcoholism, etc.). In any case, they should consult their doctor before starting antidepressants. psychiatrist ( enroll) or narcologist ( enroll) .

How do antidepressants affect libido?

Some antidepressants can lower libido ( sexual attraction) and blunt emotions in general. This side effect is typical, first of all, for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs). Usually it is indicated in the instructions for a particular drug. Also, the doctor warns about the risk of such problems before prescribing the drug. In the case of long-term use of antidepressants, this effect may remain even after stopping the use of the drug itself. Some experts even identify such a disorder called post-SSRI sexual disorder.

The side effect of a decrease in libido should not stop doctors and patients if the patient really needs a course of antidepressants. Just the patient should be informed, and in case of such problems, contact a specialist.

What are the consequences of taking antidepressants?

In rare cases, the effects of taking antidepressants can be felt for quite a long time after the end of the course of treatment. This is due to the fact that during the period of taking medications, the central nervous system in a certain way “rebuilt” and “got used” to the regular intake of active substances from the outside.

The following are the most tangible effects of taking antidepressants:

• The development of drug dependence. Dependence develops gradually due to artificial stimulation or inhibition of certain parts of the nervous system. Sometimes, special medical care may be required to get rid of this addiction.
• Problems with certain organs and systems. Side effects of some antidepressants may be associated with the work of the heart, liver, kidneys, organs of the gastrointestinal tract. After stopping treatment, some patients may experience heart problems, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. As a rule, these violations do not last too long ( no more than 2 - 3 weeks), after which the work of the organs returns to normal. With severe symptoms and significant discomfort, it is better to seek medical help, and not wait until the problems go away on their own.
• The return of depression. Sometimes the course of treatment does not give a stable result, and the patient, after stopping antidepressants, soon returns to a depressive state. In this case, you should definitely consult a psychiatrist. The doctor will objectively assess the patient's condition and find out why the treatment was not effective. Sometimes the course of treatment is extended ( with or without drug change), and sometimes just give the nervous system a little time to return to normal. Of course, the patient is observed by a doctor until complete recovery.

It should be noted that the correct intake of antidepressants during the course of treatment ( compliance with the regimen and dosage) virtually eliminates any serious consequences of their use. Problems can arise when deviating from the treatment regimen prescribed by the attending physician.

For what diseases and problems are antidepressants prescribed?

Currently, the range of use of antidepressants in medical practice is very wide. They are used not only for the treatment of depression itself, but also for a number of other mental illnesses, syndromes and disorders. This is due to complex disorders in the work of the central nervous system that accompany many pathologies. Almost every antidepressant has its own advantages and disadvantages. A qualified specialist can combine these drugs with other drugs to achieve a good therapeutic effect.

The most common antidepressants ( alone or as part of complex therapy) is prescribed for the following diseases:

• depression;
• neuroses;
• panic attacks;
• schizophrenia;
• various psychoses.

It should be noted that in each case a specific drug is used. That is why self-treatment of these pathologies, even with weak antidepressants, can lead to unpredictable consequences.

Depression

Can depression be treated without antidepressants?

Vegetative-vascular dystonia ( VSD)

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is not considered by many specialists as a separate disease, since its manifestations can be very diverse and difficult to classify. The disease usually comes down to a nervous breakdown, in which abrupt changes in blood pressure, periodic pain, urinary disorders, a sudden change in heart rate and breathing, and severe sweating are most often observed. An abrupt attack can provoke a panic attack in a patient. Currently, many neurologists recommend prescribing antidepressants to patients with similar problems as one of the main medicines as part of complex therapy.

The following groups of antidepressants are most effective in VVD:

• SSRIs);
• some tricyclic antidepressants;
• tetracyclic antidepressants.

The course of treatment lasts from several weeks to several months. The patient should regularly visit a specialist who will evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed drug. With cardiovascular ( cardiovascular) form of VVD there is a risk of a temporary deterioration of the condition due to the side effects of the drug. In this regard, it is impossible to take antidepressants for the treatment of VVD on their own. The drug and dose are selected by a qualified specialist.

Polyneuropathy

Polyneuropathy is a very serious problem in which patients, for one reason or another, are affected by peripheral nerves. This can be accompanied by very severe pain, sensory disturbances, and in severe cases, motor disorders ( motor function). Treatment of this disease should be comprehensive, aimed at both eliminating the cause of the disease and combating its manifestations.

Some antidepressants are widely used as a symptomatic treatment for diabetic polyneuropathy. In particular, amitriptyline and venlafaxine are more effective in relieving pain than many conventional pain medications ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

The effectiveness of antidepressants in polyneuropathy is explained by the following mechanisms:

• dulling of pain occurs at the level of the nervous system;
• the severe condition of patients with advanced diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by depressed mood and depression ( which are also relieved by antidepressants);
• eliminate root cause proper nerve damage) with diabetes is almost impossible, and pain must be fought constantly, and antidepressants are just designed for long-term use.

Thus, the use of antidepressants in the treatment of polyneuropathy is justified and effective. Before starting treatment, it is better to discuss the choice of drug and dose with specialized specialists ( neuropathologist, internist, endocrinologist).

Neurosis

Panic attacks

Panic attacks are acute nervous disorders that can present in a variety of ways. It is currently believed that cupping ( elimination of acute symptoms a) panic disorder can be successfully managed with antidepressants. As a rule, this initial stage of treatment lasts several weeks. During the period of fixing the result, antidepressants are combined with other drugs and psychotherapy, and the full course of treatment can last more than a year.

It should be noted that panic attacks are often combined with other mental disorders. They can occur, for example, against the background of various phobias. For full treatment, the patient must undergo a consultation with a psychiatrist and a neurologist, who will exclude the objective causes of disorders and clarify the diagnosis. In some cases, antidepressants will be prescribed in combination with other drugs.

In the treatment of panic attacks, the following groups of drugs are most often used:

• tricyclic antidepressants ( clomipramine, desipramine, nortriptyline, amitriptyline, etc.);
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( fluoxetine, escitalopram, etc.);
• MAO inhibitors ( monoamine oxidase) reversible and irreversible action ( pirlindol, phenelzine, etc.).

In some cases, patients are also prescribed powerful benzodiazepine tranquilizers. All of the above drugs, which effectively eliminate panic symptoms, can have many side effects. They should only be taken on prescription from a specialist after a thorough examination.

Do antidepressants help with anxiety and fear ( anti-anxiety effect)?

Many antidepressants have a complex effect on the central nervous system, and they can be used not only for the treatment of depression. Among the drugs of this group, there are those that have a pronounced anxiolytic effect ( relieve anxiety, unreasonable fear, anxiety). They are quite widely used in anxiety neuroses and similar pathological conditions in psychiatry.

Most often, patients are prescribed the following antidepressants with anti-anxiety effect:

• maprotiline;
• Azafen;
• mianserin;
• mirtazapine.

In terms of effectiveness, these drugs are inferior to traditional anxiolytics ( tranquilizers), but can be used as part of complex therapy, or in patients who do not respond to more traditional treatment regimens.

Do antidepressants help with insomnia?

Depressive states can be accompanied by a variety of disorders in the work of the central nervous system. Quite often, patients have sleep disorders ( drowsiness or insomnia). In the case of insomnia, the patient's condition is greatly aggravated due to the exhaustion of the nervous system. In such conditions, antidepressants with a sedative effect are used. Their use quickly calms the patient and gives a hypnotic effect. In different drugs of this group, this effect is expressed in different ways.

In general, antidepressants with a sedative effect ( amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline) are widely used to treat insomnia. The effect of their use appears within a few weeks after the start of the course of treatment. However, all patients respond to treatment differently, and to achieve the best effect, it is better to select the drug and dose from a qualified specialist.

Do antidepressants help with menopause ( menopause)?

Menopause normally occurs in women between 40 and 50 years of age. It is characterized by hormonal changes in the body, as a result of which not only the menstrual cycle stops, but also a number of concomitant disorders and disorders occur. Many of them are related to the emotional state in general and possible mental disorders ( in some cases). Medical assistance during this period includes a fairly wide range of drugs, among which there are antidepressants.

The use of antidepressants is possible throughout the menopause. For some women, this period stretches from 3 to 10-15 years. To maintain a stable emotional background with the help of antidepressants, it is better to consult a specialist ( gynecologist, psychiatrist). They will help you choose the optimal dose of the drug. As a rule, in these cases, mild antidepressants are prescribed, which have fewer side effects and relieve the symptoms that have arisen. The appointment of stronger drugs is necessary only in the case of the development of severe mental disorders.

Antidepressants for menopause help eliminate the following symptoms:

• severe mood swings emotional lability);
• sleep disorders;
• lack of motivation;
• fast fatiguability ;

Are antidepressants prescribed for postpartum psychiatric disorders?

Postpartum mental disorders are a relatively common problem. Changes in hormonal levels and lifestyle can cause severe stress in a woman. This is especially true for women whose pregnancy took place with various complications. As a result, after childbirth, certain psycho-emotional problems may be observed for a long time ( depression, irritability, etc.). Sometimes antidepressants are prescribed to correct these disorders.

With postpartum depression, antidepressants usually have a good therapeutic effect. The drug and dose are prescribed by the attending physician ( usually a psychiatrist). The main condition is the safety of the chosen medication during breastfeeding. Longer courses of treatment with stronger drugs may be necessary for patients in whom pregnancy has led to an exacerbation of existing sychic disorders.

Is it possible to take antidepressants for weight loss?

Antidepressants as a group of pharmaceuticals have a wide spectrum of action on various body systems. One of the possible effects of taking these drugs is a decrease in appetite and a kind of "motivation" of a person to a more active lifestyle. In this regard, many people use antidepressants to combat excess weight. Moreover, some anti-obesity clinics include some drugs in this group in their treatment programs.

Definitely deciding whether it is possible to take antidepressants for weight loss is very difficult. The fact is that each drug has its own characteristics, and only a qualified specialist can predict its effect on a particular patient.

• Side effects. Antidepressants have a lot of serious side effects that can occur even if the drug is taken correctly according to the scheme prescribed by a specialist. Taking these drugs to combat obesity is dangerous, since their main task is still to affect the central nervous system. It has been noted that healthy people who do not have direct indications for taking antidepressants may experience seizures, diarrhea, heart rhythm problems, sleep problems, and even suicidal tendencies.
• Availability of alternative treatment regimens. In most cases, patients can choose a safer treatment regimen to get rid of excess weight. Dietitians can help with this. In some cases, weight gain can be an endocrinological problem. Accordingly, the patient will need to normalize the hormonal background under the guidance endocrinologist ( enroll) . Antidepressants are needed only for those patients who began to gain weight against the background of emotional or mental disorders.
• The possibility of the opposite effect. As practice shows, the treatment of obesity with antidepressants is not universal. In some patients, such treatment gives a tangible effect only at the beginning of the course. In later stages, the patient may begin to gain weight again. To avoid this, it is better to develop a treatment regimen using several methods that complement each other, and not rely only on antidepressants.

However, in many cases, antidepressants do provide tangible help in the fight against excess weight. It is reasonable to use them at the initial stages to help patients with complexes or patients with concomitant behavioral disorders. A properly selected drug and dose will be a good impetus, which, on the one hand, will reduce appetite ( acting on the nervous system), and on the other hand, it motivates the patient for a more active lifestyle ( playing sports, achieving a goal, attending specialized programs for people with obesity). It should be noted that before you start taking antidepressants, in any case, it is better to consult a specialist. Self-administration of an accidental drug can not only not give the desired effect, but also endanger the patient's health.

Can antidepressants help with headaches?

Chronic headaches can be associated with a variety of diseases and disorders in the body. Sometimes they accompany depression. In these cases, the pain is partly "mental" and conventional painkillers may not be effective. Thus, for the correct treatment of headaches, it is important to establish the cause of their occurrence.

Some antidepressants have been shown to relieve or eliminate headaches not related to specific structural damage. In other words, with injuries, tumors or high blood pressure, they will not give any effect. But if the patient is chronically stressed or has previously identified mental disorders, antidepressants are sometimes the best option.

Of course, you cannot take these drugs on your own for any headache. In some cases, this can only exacerbate the problem. It is better to consult with a specialist therapist, neurologist, etc.), which will prescribe the necessary examinations. He will be able to recommend the drug that will be most effective in this particular case.

Can I take antidepressants after a stroke?

In principle, antidepressants are recommended after a stroke for many patients as part of complex rehabilitation therapy. Quite often, a stroke is accompanied by a patient's disability, as certain parts of the brain die or temporarily fail to cope with their functions. According to modern research, some drugs from the group of antidepressants accelerate the "adaptation" of the brain to new conditions and accelerate the return of lost skills. This group includes mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) - escitalopram and cipralex. In addition, many post-stroke patients suffer from depression. To eliminate this problem, they may be prescribed a course of treatment with antidepressants from other groups.

It should be noted that antidepressants in these cases are prescribed by the attending physician only some time after the stroke ( at a certain stage of recovery). Their immediate use in the first days or weeks can be dangerous due to possible side effects.

What to do if the prescribed funds do not help?

Almost all drugs that belong to the group of antidepressants have their own characteristics of use. Even qualified specialists are not always able to choose a drug that will help a particular patient the first time. As a rule, the doctor warns the patient about this possibility and agrees in advance with him the time of the second consultation. The patient himself can not always correctly assess the effect of the drug.

If the patient does not feel improvement within a few weeks, you should contact the doctor who prescribed the course of treatment. Sometimes the right drug, which has a good effect on a particular patient, can only be selected on the second or third attempt. In severe cases, a combination of several drugs is possible, which will enhance the therapeutic effect.

Antidepressants. What are antidepressants? Classification of antidepressants. Properties and action of antidepressants

All serious drugs, and especially antidepressants, have negative side effects on the body.

The main points of this negative impact:

• most side effects are temporary and disappear after a couple of weeks after the medication has started;
• some side effects may not go away for a long time, but you can find a way to cope with them;
• when side effects are difficult to manage, the doctor may change the dosage or change the medication;
• Do not quit or abruptly stop taking antidepressants, as this can aggravate the symptoms of a depressive disorder;
• it is necessary to find out in advance about possible side effects and, at the first manifestation of them, immediately contact your doctor.

All antidepressants differ among themselves in certain characteristics, respectively, and possible side effects also differ. Among the most common symptoms are the following:

• dry mouth;
• poor appetite or its complete loss;
• nausea;
• constipation/diarrhea;
• intimate/sexual problems;
• headache;
• sleep problems;
• increased nervousness;
• fatigue/drowsiness

As mentioned above, side effects usually go away within a couple of weeks after starting antidepressants. After this period, the medicines stop their action, while the symptoms of the disease begin to alleviate, and the side effects gradually disappear.

In the event that side effects continue to appear and bother you, you should consult a doctor, change the dose of the drug, or even change the medicine.

If you decide to change the type of antidepressant, then in no case should you do this abruptly, as the symptoms of depression may worsen even more or even a relapse of the disease may occur. The transition should be made gradually, preferably under the guidance of a doctor. You should gradually reduce the dose of the old drug before starting the new one.

Now let's look at ways to alleviate the side effects of taking medications.

Dryness in the mouth. Drink more water (only a couple of sips is possible) and carry unsweetened chewing gum or candy with you.

Drowsiness. This problem should go away with your body adapting to the drug, but until this happens, it is better not to drive and consult a doctor about the possibility of taking the drug at bedtime.

Headache. This problem should also go away as soon as the body gets used to taking the drug regularly, but you can consult a doctor about taking painkillers.

Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and try to eat fiber-rich vegetables and fruits (notably broccoli, beans, apples, and prunes), as well as cereals and bran.

Diarrhea. Try to eliminate fatty and spicy foods from your diet and instead eat lighter foods like rice and yogurt.

Shiver. In this case, you should not make sudden movements, especially when you get out of bed or chair.

Poor appetite or its loss. It is worth trying to eat a little, but more often, arrange snacks for yourself with light snacks. You can try walking before meals to feel hungry, but it's best to eat your favorite foods that you don't give up even if you're not hungry.

Nausea. Try candy or gum. Peppermint in almost all cases helps the stomach get rid of an unpleasant sensation.

Increased nervousness. Nervousness should pass over time, but if this does not happen, then you should think about changing the dose of the drug.

Problems of an intimate / sexual nature. If you experience such problems, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of changing the dose or switching to another medicine.

Sleep problems. Try to avoid caffeine and alcoholic products. If you play sports, it is better to do it in the morning. Try to keep the room where you sleep fresh and quiet, or you can try ear plugs and an overnight mask.

Monitor all signs of side effects and in case of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• chest pain;
• any manifestations of an allergic reaction such as a rash, trouble breathing or swallowing, etc.;
• exacerbation of suicidal tendencies, such as frequent conversations about death, alienation from others, getting rid of personal belongings, or even a desire to harm oneself;
• signs of manic behavior, among which increased activity, nervousness, grouchiness, as well as impulsivity and poor sleep require special attention.

When taking antidepressants, do not forget about precautions. Telling your doctor about any illnesses you have had and possible allergies to various drugs will help you choose the most suitable antidepressant for you. If there are other drugs that you use on an ongoing basis, it is also worth consulting with your doctor about their compatibility in order to avoid problems and aggravate symptoms. It is best to refrain from taking herbs or vitamins unless prescribed by a doctor. And, of course, do not abuse or completely refuse to take alcoholic beverages and drugs, as they can only worsen your condition.

Antidepressants are optional drugs. In a depressed patient, they improve mood, reduce the manifestation of apathy, irritability, normalize appetite and sleep duration. In 1958, Kielholz and Battegai proposed to call this medicine the term "thymoleptic action", which means "soul" + "retractor" in ancient Greek.

Their main action is that they block the breakdown of many minoamines or their reuptake. There is an opinion that depression develops due to a lack of minoamines - especially dopamine and serotonin.

Modern research shows that antidepressants are not able to improve a person's mood and good performance. Therefore, you will have to carefully understand, and then draw conclusions about the harm and benefits of antidepressants.

Side effects

Many patients who take antidepressants experience side effects. The most common include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, sweating, trembling, dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation. If you have such symptoms - do not rush to draw conclusions. It could be causing something else, or it could indicate that the drug you are taking has begun to work. No need to worry, just see your doctor and he will most likely reduce your dose or prescribe some other antidepressant for you.

Should You Take Antidepressants?

Many people wonder if antidepressants are harmful to the human body, since they help and improve mood so well. To be honest, this drug is not always safe and useful. According to the results of the experiments, such drugs do not affect our body as well as we think. Doctors distinguish 2 problems - liver damage (already sounds scary) and addiction. The greatest harm to the liver is caused by drugs containing amitriptyline. If you constantly use it, toxic hepatitis will not bypass you. Those people who are constantly in a stressful state cannot do without antidepressants. It's addictive. Consequently, if they are forbidden to do this, they become aggressive, uncontrollable, and sometimes even try to commit suicide.

But if everything is so bad and they are so harmful, then what is the use of antidepressants then? The likelihood of their effectiveness is very modest, they do not solve the problem completely. Not true, there is another side of the coin. They help the human body recover, suppress the symptoms of depression. For example, in the United States, one-third of the population uses psychotropic drugs. And nothing.

The harm and benefits of antidepressants will be determined not only stereotypically or in general terms. It also depends on the suffering person. If he starts taking calming pills and believes that he is changing, becoming mentally healthier, there will be no harm, as soon he will stop drinking this medicine.

Strong antidepressants, no matter how regrettable it may sound, tend to cause even impotence - the loss of sexual desire for your partner. Amitriptyline and imipramine cause the most damage to potency from antidepressants.

Depression is a serious but treatable disorder.

Worldwide, about 20% of the population suffers from such a mental disorder as depression, which is a lot. Our opinion is that it is not necessary to take antidepressants for any depressed state. Look for an alternative. Scientists from the state of Virginia argue that such a drug will not do anything good for a person. For example, if a pregnant woman consumes them, it will lead to premature birth or slow down the development of her child.

Therefore, we conclude that the harm of antidepressants in depression is greater than the benefits. Well, then the choice is yours.