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The hectic modern life, excessive work pressure, discord in relationships and failures have made today’s generation extremely mentally sensitive. This is the reason why in today’s time, mental problems like depression and anxiety are spreading like an epidemic. When a person’s mental balance starts deteriorating and everyday life starts getting affected, then on the advice of a psychiatrist, anti-depressant medicines are taken. These medicines provide mental stability to the patient by balancing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. But a big and serious question arises that when a person keeps taking these depression medicines for a long time for months or years, what effect does it have on our delicate brain and other organs of the body?
Billions of neurons in our brain communicate with each other through chemical signals. In case of depression, the balance of these chemical signals, especially mood-regulating serotonin, gets disturbed. Modern anti-depressant medications, such as the SSRI class of pills, block the re-uptake of serotonin in the brain so that it can remain active longer. Initially this procedure proves to be a boon in improving the mood of the patient and taking him out of the pit of despair. However, when the brain becomes dependent on external chemical support for a long time, its ability to naturally produce neurotransmitters begins to slow down. This is the reason why quitting medicine suddenly causes a huge imbalance in the brain.
Generally, there is a misconception that by taking depression pills a person becomes ‘addicted’ to them, whereas medically it is not like drug addiction. Nevertheless, on consuming them for a long time, the body and brain develop a kind of physical dependence. When the patient tries to stop taking these medicines suddenly without doctor’s advice, he has to face ‘discontinuation syndrome’ or withdrawal symptoms. In this, serious problems like extreme nervousness, dizziness, headache, insomnia, and irritability suddenly emerge, due to which the patient feels that his disease has returned again, whereas in reality it is the body’s reaction to the withdrawal of the medicine.
Apart from the brain, long-term use of anti-depressants also affects our physical health in many ways. The most common effect is rapid or uncontrolled weight gain. In many patients, due to the effect of these medicines, metabolism slows down, due to which the problem of lethargy and fat accumulation increases. Additionally, long-term use may result in decreased sexual desire (sexual dysfunction), dry mouth, excessive sweating, and digestive system disturbances such as constipation and acidity. In some cases, long-term studies even show that certain anti-depressants can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
This is a very important question that comes in the mind of every patient. Depression is not a disease that can be cured and eradicated forever with just a few pills. Medicines are only a means to control the chemical imbalance in your brain and give you immediate relief. If the patient does not address his lifestyle, thought patterns and causes of stress by relying only on medications, the problem may return once the medication is discontinued. This is why good psychiatrists always recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes along with medicines, so that the patient can become mentally strong from within.
Positive lifestyle changes are essential to avoid long-term side effects of depression medications and improve mental health naturally. Regularly doing morning walk, yoga, pranayam and meditation naturally increases the secretion of ‘feel-good’ hormones like endorphins and serotonin in the brain. Include omega-3 fatty acids, fresh fruits, green vegetables and enough water in your diet. Make a habit of getting enough sleep because incomplete sleep increases your mental stress manifold. Also, spend time with your family and friends and share your feelings so that loneliness does not overwhelm you.
If you or someone you love has been taking depression medications for a long time, never forget to reduce or stop the dosage on your own. Doing this can prove to be extremely dangerous for your mental health. Whenever you feel that your condition is improving or you want to quit the medication, always consult your specialist psychiatrist. Doctors reduce the dose of drugs gradually in a planned ‘tapering’ process, giving the brain time to adjust without the shock. With patience, proper treatment, and positive thinking, you can completely defeat depression and live a healthy, energetic life.