The consumption of antidepressants is becoming more and more common, becoming the third most consumed drug after alcohol and tobacco. In addition, they are very easy to access since the primary care doctor himself can prescribe them.
This increase in the consumption of antidepressants is due to the longer life expectancy, so there is more suffering due to loneliness, the economic crisis, etc. However, many people use it as a quick way to overcome any bumps. Furthermore, on many occasions they are overprescribed to people who, with some time in psychotherapy, could feel better without the need for medication.
Do you know the effects of antidepressants on the nervous system? Do you think you can take antidepressants for life? In this Psychology-Online article we will see the side effects that taking antidepressants can have, the consequences of taking antidepressants for many years and we will answer the question of whether it would be appropriate to take antidepressants throughout life.
Side effects of antidepressants
There are various types of antidepressants on the market. Broadly speaking, their effectiveness is due to the fact that they facilitate the transmission of certain brain substances that collaborate in the processing of pleasurable sensations or hinder the transmission of other substances that prevent these sensations. Like any other medication, antidepressants have various side effects that will vary depending on the person, the dose and the type of antidepressant. Side effects of antidepressants
Central Nervous System
At the brain level they can cause excitement, agitation, insomnia or even some confusion.
Vegetative nervous system
It is quite common for appetite and weight to increase as well as impotence and, conversely, libido to decrease. In this article we explain. Many people also end up feeling dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation or dizziness.
Cardiovascular system
Hypertension and tachycardia are quite common.
Temperature
Hyperthermic crises may appear, that is, the temperature rises very suddenly.
psychic effects
In the first two weeks due to increased brain activity, there may be an increased risk of suicide. Here you will find . In addition, they can also cause anxiety.
Other adverse effects
In some people, the intake of antidepressants has caused amenorrhea, allergic hypersensitivity, hypoglycemia, among others.
Side effects will vary from each drug and each person. There are several types of antidepressants, such as.
Long-term consequences of antidepressants
One of the factors to take into account when taking antidepressants is their withdrawal. These generate a dependency in the person whose withdrawal can produce a withdrawal syndrome. This can be aggravated if, in addition, the intake of antidepressants has been prolonged over time. That is why it is essential that its withdrawal is not done abruptly. In this article we explain.
On the other hand, in the long term they increase the chances of suffering from breast cancer, although they reduce the risk of brain cancer. Besides, can cause neurological damage so memory may be affected and some symptoms similar to those found in Parkinson’s disease may occur.
At the gastrointestinal level, they can end up producing, over time, irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive problems. Likewise, the sexual problems that we have mentioned in the previous section could become more permanent and more complex to solve.
Can you take antidepressants for life?
All of these side effects make us wonder what would happen if a person had to take antidepressants for life. The problem arises that in many cases depression and its symptoms are chronic, so many people can depend on this medication to be able to have a normal life. Furthermore, in these people, psychotherapy often does not have great effects, so medication is the only way out.
Therefore, yes, in some cases you not only can, but should take antidepressants as part of your daily life throughout your life. These are people who must undergo an in-depth study and rule out any possibility of being able to stop the medication without a relapse and in whom it has been proven that psychotherapy has not been effective. Although they risk having the side effects mentioned above, they do not always appear and the alternative to not having them is to live with them. chronic depression that makes it impossible for the person to have a normal routine.
In these cases, it becomes essential Follow the doctor’s guidelines to the letter. You should never vary the dose or take other medications without first consulting with your psychiatrist and, in addition, psychological support could facilitate adherence to medication consumption. On the other hand, having good habits and good social support also help the effectiveness of the medication.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Consequences of taking antidepressants for many yearswe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Medina, J., and García de León, M. (2004). Side effects of antidepressants. sleep wake48-57.
- Montané, E., & Santesmases, J. (2020). Adverse drug reactions. Clinical Medicine154(5), 178-184.
- Sáez de Montagut López, S., & Ramírez Márquez, J. (2016). Evolution and current situation of antidepressant consumption in Spain.