Antidepressants are medications that have been popular among people who are suffering from depressions other medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders, among others. Although these medications are intended to manage certain medical conditions, they do not come without consequences. Some even can be fatal if not taken the correct way. That said, antidepressants and their effects should be taken into consideration. It is equally important to know the advantages and disadvantages of these medications.
List of Pros of Antidepressants
1. Improves Health
Antidepressants are important for people who suffer certain medical and mental conditions that can usually cause harm to the patient and other people, if not treated or managed. Such is the case of a person with depression. By taking antidepressants daily or as prescribed by the doctor, this person will have a more normal life. Same thing goes with patients with OCD and ADHD. Although these conditions does not have any cure but can be managed, antidepressants do help to improve the lives of people with these medical conditions.
2. Improves Mood
There are many benefits associated with taking antidepressants such as its ability to improve the mood of a patient when the medication reaches the correct level. These medications also make the person feel better not only in mitigating emotional symptoms but also in the reduction of pain and fatigue.
3. Optimal Brain Functions
People who are depressed can become psychotic at times that they can become violent and paranoid while other symptoms include lack of sleep and over-eating. Taking antidepressants can bring back the balance in neurochemistry and help the brain to function normally. Antidepressants can lead to moderate weight loss and are helpful to patients who find it hard to sleep due to depression.
List of Cons of Antidepressants
1. Limitations of Effectiveness
Clinical studies have been taken on the effectiveness of antidepressant on individuals and results show that these medications do not work at all times. Among the patients who were asked to take medications, between 30% and 50% of the participants did not respond to the antidepressants given to them.
2. Short Duration
There have been studies taken in which it was observed that certain antidepressants are effective but there are some types wherein patients have shown improvement but only for a time. After regularly taking medications, it has been evident that over time, the medications do not have an effect on some of the patients.
3. Risks of Suicide
The increasing risks of suicides among people under the age of 25 have also been cited by experts. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the crucial period in the lives of people taking antidepressants are between one to two months of taking these medications.
Antidepressants are effective in managing certain medical and mental conditions but there are also side effects to these medications. Moreover, there are also disadvantages associated with taking antidepressants such as risks of suicide and limitations to effectiveness. It is important for patients to know the pros and cons of antidepressants and any medication for that matter.
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
