The 5 Most Misunderstood Facts About Medications for Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting an estimated 16.1 million adults in the United States each year. While there are many different medications available to treat depression, there is still a lot of misinformation out there about how they work and what they can do for people suffering from this condition. In this article, we'll dispel some of the most common myths about antidepressants so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Psychiatric medication can be addictive
There is a common misconception that psychiatric medication is addictive. This is simply not true. Psychiatric medication can have side effects, just like any other medication. However, these side effects are not the same as addiction. Addiction is a compulsive need to use a substance, despite the negative consequences. Side effects may include nausea, headache, or drowsiness. These side effects are temporary and typically go away after the body adjusts to the medication.
An addiction manifests as intense urges, obsessions, loss of control, and behaviors that satisfy the addiction. Psychotropic medications do not create dependencies, where you need to keep increasing the dosage to receive the same effect. Addiction-like cravings do not result from them.
However, many people experience temporary withdrawal symptoms (or discontinuation syndrome) when they first stop taking certain medications. The symptoms may include dizziness, headache, lethargy, sweating, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, and disturbed mood. It usually begins within the first few days of stopping or significantly reducing and it can last for 5 days to 79 weeks. The average duration is 6 weeks.
Nevertheless, this temporary reaction does not indicate a developing addiction.
You can learn more about withdrawal syndrome and how to prevent its effects here.
2. I will feel better right away with the medication use
One of the most misunderstood facts about medications for depression is that people think they will feel better immediately after taking them. However, this is not always the case. It can take weeks and/or some medication adjustments for the full medication effect to be felt. Depression is a complex condition, and it takes time for the medication to work its way through the body and start to have an effect.
3. People will judge me for using medication for mental illness
There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness, and one of the most common misconceptions is that people who take medication for depression are weak. This couldn't be further from the truth. Mental illness is a real medical condition that requires treatment, just like any other illness.
People who take medication for depression are not weak; they are brave. It takes a lot of courage to seek help for a mental illness, and medication is often an important part of treatment. Medication can help you relieve the symptoms of depression and make it easier to manage and get a full recovery.
If you are considering taking medication for depression, don't let the stigma surrounding mental illness stop you. Seek out the help you need, and don't be afraid to ask for medication if your doctor or provider thinks it would be beneficial.
4. The side effects might be worse than the original symptoms
The most misunderstood fact about medications for depression is that the side effects are worse than the original symptoms. While it is true that some people experience side effects when taking these medications, they are usually mild and go away after a short period or prompt medication adjustments. For the vast majority of people, the benefits of taking these medications far outweigh the risks.
Depression is a serious medical condition that can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. It can cause you to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, withdraw from friends and family, and even lead to thoughts of suicide. Medications for depression can help to ease these symptoms and allow you to live happier, healthier lives when combined with therapy.
While it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication, it is also important to remember that the side effects are usually mild and temporary. One way to avoid side effects is to ensure you are telling your provider all the medications that you are taking. It can include other mental health drugs, syrups, and even herbal supplements because they may interfere with the medication your provider is prescribing to you.
You can do your own research and check if there are any contraindications or risks with the medications that you are on using IntegrativePro Drug Interaction Checker or the WebMD Interaction Checker.
5. If you see a psychiatrist, you will be forced to take psychiatric medications
One of the most misunderstood facts about medications for depression is that if you see a psychiatric provider, you will be forced to take psychiatric medications. This is not true. While some providers may recommend medication as part of treatment, they will not force patients to take them. Ultimately, the decision to take medication is up to the patient.
Medication is just one treatment tool, it is not a cure, and not all treatment approaches result in medication. Treatment plans that combine medication with some form of therapy, that could be talk therapy or other options, can be very beneficial for the patient and their family.
At LevelHeaded Mind, we provide high-quality mental health education to empower you to make the right decisions for your specific needs. If you would like to receive 1:1 guidance on how to move forward on your mental health care journey, consider scheduling an initial mental health coaching session to level up your mental health and get unstuck.
To know more about the holistic mental health treatment option, check our article here.
