Pros
1. Relieve depressive symptoms.
In essence, you won’t feel as crummy! GET OVER IT, DEPRESSION! Your depression symptoms will lessen, and one day you’ll recognize how much better you feel after a “lightbulb” moment.
2. Improve your motivation and increase energy.
Even the simplest self-care duties might be challenging to carry out when you’re sad. Shower? Thanks, but no. doing the dishes? Without a doubt! However, antidepressants might aid in regaining your desire and drive. Beware of the unclean dishes! This is it!
3. Helps balance out chemicals in your brain.
The brain is a challenging organ! In order for you to take in the chemicals you need and start feeling fantastic, antidepressants work to balance out the hormones and neurotransmitters that are bouncing about in your brain.
4. They’re safe to take.
In the 1950s, the first antidepressants were created. Therefore, DECADES of science and research have gone into ensuring that they function. Although some medications may have negative effects, they are not intrinsically harmful.
Cons
1. Some might not work for you.
Finding the ideal drug is similar to finding the ideal lover in that you may need to test a few before you discover one that works well for your lifestyle. And what about that? That’s fine and very normal. Therefore, if one antidepressant doesn’t work for you straight away, don’t give up.
2. There are side effects of antidepressants.
There is a list of potential adverse effects for every drug. These often occur adverse effects include nauseousness, sleepiness, reduced sex desire, weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, and difficulty falling asleep. These adverse effects aren’t always there, and you could not even encounter any at all. To be informed of all potential consequences, make sure you review the side effects of the drug your doctor or psychiatrist has prescribed you.
3. Coming off them can be hard.
If your depression was transient or situational, your doctor may advise gradually stopping your antidepressants. Given that your body becomes accustomed to the medications and experiences withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them, it is crucial to do this gradually and under the guidance of your doctor or psychiatrist.
If done too rapidly or if you stop them abruptly, you could feel like a mound of crap. Always come up with a strategy with your doctor to ease the transition off of them.
In addition, it is very acceptable if your doctor does not advise you to reduce or stop taking your medicine. You might need to take medicine for the remainder of your life if you have a chronic ailment (such as severe clinical depression, PTSD, CPTSD, or OCD, for example). It’s okay that way.
4. They take time to work.
The typical wait time for doctors to determine if your antidepressants are working is 4 to 8 weeks. Unfortunately, they don’t work right away and require time to take effect. Therefore, if you’ve just been taking them for a week, don’t give up!
