Dangerous Antidepressant Drugs
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 20 million Americans have a depressive disorder. Many of those with depression seek help, whether it is with therapy, such as with a psychiatrist, or by antidepressants. Unfortunately, the FDA has found that these drugs can be dangerous, especially for children under 18 years of age.
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Dangers of Antidepressants
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Every drug has side effects, whether they are as minuscule as a bout of nausea or as life threatening as cancer or a heart attack. Antidepressants have minor side effects as well as major side effects. One of the most threatening side effects is increased suicidal thoughts and tendencies. According to the FDA, this side effect is increased in those who are under 18.
Suicide
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A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that one out of every 3,000 people will attempt suicide in the United States while on antidepressants. According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 118 million antidepressant drugs were prescribed in 2005. Studies conducted by the FDA have concluded that adults have less of a chance of this symptom compared to children, but the chance is still high.
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Minor Side Effects
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The most common side effects of antidepressants are nausea, dizziness, changes in weight, shaking, diarrhea, headaches, constipation, anxiety, decrease in sex drive, restlessness and insomnia. For many who have severe depression, these side effects are simply an inconvenience compared to the positive effects of the medication. Unfortunately, more serious side effects are possible.
Dangerous Side Effects
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Many people taking antidepressants, whether they are taking them for depression or other reasons, experience some of the more dangerous side effects. Some of these are suicidal tendencies, extreme anxiety, hyperactivity, changes in behavior, severe depression, anger, aggressiveness, hypertension, low blood pressure, hallucinations and dangerous impulses.
Addiction
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Antidepressants are extremely addicting. Unfortunately, this can cause many people to be unable to quit when they want to live a life without dependence upon the drug. The withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants have been termed as antidepressant- discontinuation syndrome. Some of the symptoms of antidepressant-discontinuation syndrome are anxiety, fatigue, headaches, depression, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
According to American Family Physician, this syndrome occurs in more than 20 percent of people who discontinue antidepressants abruptly. Stopping antidepressants can effect your gastrointestinal system, movement, mental condition, vision, sleep and mood.
Research
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Medical News Today posted an article about a study conducted by United Kingdom researchers from the University of Hull that suggested only those with severe depression are helped by antidepressants. The study showed that while there is a small difference in those will mild to moderate depression, the difference is barely noticeable. Those with severe depression notice a bigger difference in their condition while on antidepressants. These findings may provide insight on whether the benefits of antidepressants are enough to outweigh the risks associated with the drugs.
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