Antidepressants: Relief for Depression but with Side Effects

This article discusses the use of antidepressants to relieve depression and anxiety. It also highlights the side effects of long-term use of these medicines. Alternative therapies are also discussed as a non-drug approach to treating depression.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS 0
ANTIDEPRESSANTS RELIEVE DEPRESSION
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
7/21/2018

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Question 1
People feel sad and low during different period of time this may be due to
vicissitudes they face in their daily life. Feeling sad may be considered as normal reaction of
an individual but when this feeling of sadness and despair persist for a longer period of time
say for weeks or months then this is termed as depression. Depression is a condition, which
affects the mood and emotions of an individual negatively. It brings changes in the routine
life and habit of a person. An individual affected with the problem of depression may
experience mood swings, low self-esteem, dejection, exhaustion and many more. Sometimes
a person suffering from depression may have physical symptoms also. These symptoms may
include joint pain, pain in back, and change in appetite and so on. There may be several other
factors also which can be the reason of depression such as genetic factors, environmental
factors, and personality of an individual. The problem of depression cannot be ignored, and
needs proper medical attention by a certified medical practitioner (Everydayhealth, 2017).
The first treatment given to cope up with the problem of depression is antidepressants, which
are widely regarded as milestones in psychiatric treatment. They help to ease depression and
anxiety (The New York Times, 2018). The work of antidepressants is to balance chemicals in
our brain that are called neurotransmitters and affects emotions and mood positively of an
individual. The antidepressant medicines help to make our mood better improves
concentration power, sleep and enhances appetite (WebMD, 2018). The focus of these
medicines is to provide relief from the symptoms of depression and prevent relapse of the
symptoms of depression.
Question 2
Though antidepressant provides temporary relief from the symptoms of depression
but long-term use of these medicines can be harmful and can affect negatively to an
individual’s health. Taking pills to treat depression may sound an easy solution but regular

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use of it may lead to some severe side effects. Few patients may experience withdrawal
symptoms when they stop the use of this drug this is called discontinuation syndrome. The
side effects of taking antidepressants includes diarrhea, headache, weight gain, and problem
of excessive sweating, decreased sexual desire, feeling of nervousness or restlessness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, rashes, insomnia and many more. Some of the people taking
antidepressants reported these side effects. Side effects cannot be ignored and need medical
attention if they persist for a longer period (Elementsbehavioralhealth, 2012). In case of
withdrawal of antidepressants, one may experience sudden withdrawal symptoms such as
nausea, tiredness, hand shaking, visual disturbances, vertigo, dizziness, lack of energy, upset
digestive tract and so on (Peoplespharmacy, 2013).
Question 3
Treating the problem of depression with allopathic medicines provides temporary
relief but at the same time, they can also lead to some side effects, which may vary from
person to person. So to avoid these side effects some people switch to alternative approach to
treat their problem of depression. Some people may switch to holistic approach which
provides them mental satisfaction and peace. An alternative treatment is one in which a
treatment is given to an individual apart from conventional treatment. Taking drugs on
regular basis is not every one’s cup of tea. So some prefer non-drug approach towards the
treatment of depression to make their condition better and healthy. However, there is no
strong evidence that alternative therapy is effective for treating depression. Alternative
therapy includes use of herbal supplements, acupuncture (Chinese method of healing),
reflexology, exercise, yoga, meditation and massage (Clevelandclinic, 2014). In alternative
treatment, one has to take care of things on regular basis. They are as follows:
 Avoid caffeine, which is considered as main culprit for reducing serotonin level.
 Provide Vitamin D to body by keeping it expose to sun.

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 Take meal on regular basis and don not try to skip it.
 Eat healthy food rich in proteins, omega 3 and healthy fats.
 Do yoga and meditation on daily basis.
 Exercise daily as it helps in releasing glad-making endorphins, which are considered
as natural anti-depressants for an individual (Psychologytoday, 2011).
These alternative therapeutic approaches help an individual to a great extent in fighting with
the problem of depression without developing any problem of side effects.

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REFERENCES
Clevelandclinic. (2014). Depression: Alternative therapies. Retrieved from:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9303-depression-alternative-therapies
Elementsbehavioralhealth. (2012). Antidepressants side effects: The downside of mood-
boosting medications. Retrieved from: https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/mood-
disorders/antidepressant-side-effects/
Everydayhealth. (2017). 6 depression symptoms you should not ignore. Retrieved from:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/symptoms/depression-symptoms-you-
shouldnt-ignore/
Peoplespharmacy. (2013). The dangerous downsides of antidepressants. Retrieved from:
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/08/14/the-dangerous-downsides-of-
antidepressants/
Psychologytoday. (2011). 11 natural treatments for the depression: An MD’s tips for
skipping the Prozac. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/owning-
pink/201103/11-natural-treatments-depression-md-s-tips-skipping-the-prozac
WebMD. (2018). How your depression medicine can affect your life. Retrieved from:
https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressant-effects#1
The New York Times. (2018). Many people taking Antidepressant discover they cannot quit.
Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/07/health/antidepressants-withdrawal-
prozac-cymbalta.html