As the years progress America is becoming more and more depressed, and as the rate of diagnostics rise, Psychiatrists seem to be handing out prescription slips like tickets into a stress free life. However, is this really the truth about antidepressants? Studies have shown that while taking certain antidepressants symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts can actually increase rather than decrease (“Citalopram” 1). Some side effects may even include things as severe as increased suicidal thoughts or attempts at killing oneself, extreme manic episodes, insomnia, inability to sit still, and aggressive outbursts (“Citalopram” 1). Due to these risks, antidepressants should not be prescribed to adolescents below the age of 18 because the probability
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This is often the case with antidepressants. Most specialists agree that antidepressants are in fact non-addictive, and are not known to lead to substance abuse (“Antidepressant” 8) . However, an article written by the Addiction Center explains that patients can become obsessed with the way they feel when taking antidepressants and some even increase their dosage on their own leading to greater risks of overdose (“Antidepressant” 10). Additionally, according to Dr. Maria Eve Basile, while using an antidepressant, if the medication is stopped then the patient can experience serotonin deficiencies causing severe withdrawal symptoms. Patients experiencing these deficiencies may also experience dizziness, trouble balancing, extreme anxiety, and increased depressive states. Due to these affects several cases have shown patients turning to other drugs and alcohol in order to experience manic highs or serotonin spikes (Basile 3). Along with the drop in serotonin levels and extreme side effects causing drug dependence it can also lead to heightened suicidal thoughts and self
This is often the case with antidepressants. Most specialists agree that antidepressants are in fact non-addictive, and are not known to lead to substance abuse (“Antidepressant” 8) . However, an article written by the Addiction Center explains that patients can become obsessed with the way they feel when taking antidepressants and some even increase their dosage on their own leading to greater risks of overdose (“Antidepressant” 10). Additionally, according to Dr. Maria Eve Basile, while using an antidepressant, if the medication is stopped then the patient can experience serotonin deficiencies causing severe withdrawal symptoms. Patients experiencing these deficiencies may also experience dizziness, trouble balancing, extreme anxiety, and increased depressive states. Due to these affects several cases have shown patients turning to other drugs and alcohol in order to experience manic highs or serotonin spikes (Basile 3). Along with the drop in serotonin levels and extreme side effects causing drug dependence it can also lead to heightened suicidal thoughts and self