The Pros and Cons of Taking Antidepressants

ByJames

Antidepressants are medications that help a multitude of people work through issues with dopamine, serotonin, and other happy brain molecules, literally.  Depression is more often than not caused by an imbalance in these hormones which is why we have things such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) so that the brain can use serotonin at the right pace.

The thing is, not all antidepressants are for everyone.  Some will have a hard time finding the right medication but others might find the right one quickly.  If you are questioning whether or not you want to talk to your doctor about antidepressants, here are a few pros and cons to think through.

Pros

1. Controlled by Experienced Doctors

Even if it takes time to find the right medication, pne of the largest benefits of taking antidepressants is that you are under a doctor’s care.  If something feels off or your symptoms start to worsen, you can quickly call in to your doctor that is aware of your particular case.

This means that they can quickly, and easily change what medications you are using just in case that need ever arises.  Having this sort of security blanket when working with medications can be a literal godsend.

Because mental health affects everyone around the world, the treatment is legal around the world.  It makes sense, but there are substances, such as marijuana, that can be used to alleviate depression with as much ease as an antidepressant.

The major downside is that marijuana isn’t legal all around the world (or even the entire U.S.A. yet!).

If you suffer from depression, this can be a really big issue that you don’t want to face.  If traveling is your thing, then antidepressants are going to be a very big pro for you.  Even if you travel locally, using legal substances is a perfect pro!

3. Research Backed Medications

What some people forget is that the medications that doctors prescribe have gone through rigorous studying, tests, trials, and all sorts of other ways of making sure that the medication is safe to take.

This is how we know about what side effects can pop up.  When there’s research that has been done to help prove how something works, this can give extra confidence to help you figure out what medications can help you feel better.

Cons

1. Negative Interactions with Herbs

As explained in this review by Marijuana Doctors, some antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome which is a deadly issue!  If you are someone of herbal inclination, this can be a big turn off.  What’s more, is that there are more herbs than you can count on your hands that could possibly negatively interact with antidepressants.

Don’t even get started on alcoholic drinks and antidepressants.  This can make your symptoms even worse, make you sleepy, forgetful, and even decrease coordination faster than saying supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

2. Side Effects Can Be Annoying

Not every medication is going to have a side effect that you will experience.  There are some that are known for making people drowsy and there are others that can instead hype someone up.  One of the biggest issues though is the fact that some side effects can be pretty brutal.

Some side effects include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • drowsiness
  • memory loss
  • headaches
  • insomnia
  • increased depression
  • and more!

3. It Can Take Months to Work

One thing that they don’t warn you about when it comes to antidepressants is that it can take several months for a new prescription to finally work.  Months!

During this time, your depression can get worse before it gets better and that is often the line that the doctor has to tell you.  Some antidepressants are making such enormous changes in the mind that your body will feel physically depressed alongside your mind.  

4. One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Last, but not least, most prescriptions aren’t all going to work for the same people.  There are times when doctors prescribe what is most commonly used with the valid hope that the medication will work.

If this isn’t the case, then this means several months of trial and error that can affect your daily life.  From varying levels of depression, which at times could feel manic, to the introduction of aches and pains, switching through medications can lead to just as many side effects as taking antidepressants.

5. Suffer from depression

If you suffer from depression, this can be a really big issue that you don’t want to face.  If traveling is your thing, then antidepressants are going to be a very big pro for you.  Even if you travel locally, using legal substances is a perfect pro!

Conclusion

Antidepressants are substances that have been used to help millions of people all around the world.  Yes, they do have their distinct pros and cons, but the choice is ultimately yours.  Pay attention to what your doctor says and make sure you ask plenty of questions about their thoughts on the pros and cons of antidepressants.

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