Are anti-depressant drugs as helpful as doctors claim they are? Perhaps, but they can also have dangerous side effects. The harmfulness of antidepressants is a very important subject for Canadians to be aware of. Why?
Because about 1 million Canadians are depressed. Many of these depressed individuals will be offered antidepressant medications by their physician. It is the smart thing to become educated about such a relevant topic.
In pursuing education about antidepressant drugs, let’s first realize that there are several different types of these medications. The following are various classifications of antidepressant drugs:
– Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) — Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and more.
– Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) – Cymbalta, Pristiq, and Effexor XR.
– Tetracyclic and Tricyclic Antidepressants – Some of these include Anafranil, Norpramin, and Vivactil.
– Atypical Antidepressants – Wellbutrin, Remeron, Oleptro, etc.
– Manoamine Oxidase Inhibitors – Nardil, Parnate, Emsam, Marplan, and more.
To read about how these drugs work, please visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/HQ01069.
What are the dangers of antidepressant drugs?
As you can see from the non-comprehensive list above, there are numerous types of antidepressant medications. But the question is, are they safe? To determine this, let’s look at the risks and dangers of such drugs.
The risks of antidepressant drugs:
– Headaches
– Insomnia
– “Sexual dysfunction”
– Rashes
– Diarrhea
– Nausea
– “Suicidal behaviour”
– “Reduced blood clotting capacity”
– Potential for developing drug tolerance
– May cause harm to a fetus
As you can see, the health risks of antidepressant drugs are serious. Have you discussed them with your doctor?
Note: These warnings apply to different types of antidepressants. Please visit http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What_are_the_real_risks_of_antidepressants.htm to learn which warnings accompany specific drug types.
Should you take antidepressants?
We certainly do not claim to have the answer to this question. As with any medication, people, along with their physicians, must decide if the benefits of a drug outweigh the harm of it.
We do encourage you to seek more information about antidepressant drugs. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What_are_the_real_risks_of_antidepressants.htm and http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-psychotropic-drugs/ are good places to start.
Before we end this post, let us say that we are not against someone taking psychotropic medications.
As one person stated it, such drugs can be “lifesavers”! We are merely suggesting that people become educated about the risks of taking antidepressants before deciding which one to agree to take (if any).
What has your history with antidepressant drugs been like?
We would love for you to leave us a comment about it. Remember, a number of the one million Canadians suffering with depression may benefit from your experiences.
Sources:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/mental-health/depression-medications.html
http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-psychotropic-drugs/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/HQ01069
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What_are_the_real_risks_of_antidepressants.htm
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*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Have antidepressant drugs been “lifesavers” for you? Tell us how they have helped you.
Do you think doctors sufficiently discuss drug risks with their patients before giving them a prescription?
