Let me start by saying that antidepressants are generally safe and effective for most people when prescribed and taken under a healthcare professional’s supervision.
However, like all medications, they can have side effects and risks.
The safety of antidepressants depends on several factors, such as the specific type of medication you’re taking, dosage, the individual’s medical history, and other drugs they may be taking.
I didn’t have any adverse consequences at all when I used antidepressants, and I’ve used 3 different types so far.
They aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the decision to start or continue antidepressant treatment should be made in close consultation with a healthcare provider who can properly assess the benefits and risks specific to your situation.
Here are the most common circumstances where you should be careful:
- Young people (under 25) and suicide risk
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- Increased suicidal thoughts
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly during the early weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed.
That’s especially true in children, teens, and young adults under 25. This is why close monitoring by a professional is essential during the initial treatment phase.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
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- Risk to the fetus
Some medications, especially certain SSRIs (e.g., Paxil), can increase the risk of birth defects when taken during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.
On the other hand, untreated depression can also pose risks to both the mother and the baby, so pregnant women should work with their doctor to find a safe treatment plan.
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- Breastfeeding
Some drugs can be passed to the baby through breast milk, which is why careful selection and monitoring are needed to minimize risks not only for the individual but for the baby as well.
- Bipolar disorder
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- Risk of triggering mania
People suffering from bipolar disorder can sometimes experience a shift from depression to mania when taking antidepressants. That risk is enhanced if they’re not taking a mood stabilizer.
Antidepressants should be prescribed cautiously and usually in combination with mood stabilizers like lithium or anticonvulsants in these specific cases.
- Heart conditions
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- Cardiovascular risks
They may not be safe for people with pre-existing heart conditions since they can increase the risk of heart attack, arrhythmias, or high blood pressure. At the very least, one should be cautious and consult with a doctor before employing such medications.
- Drug interactions
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- Serotonin syndrome
Taking antidepressants alongside other medications or supplements that increase serotonin levels (such as certain pain medications, migraine drugs, or St. John’s Wort) can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Symptoms include confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and agitation.
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- Blood thinners
Some medications, especially SSRIs, can interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin or aspirin), increasing the risk of bleeding.
I used it together with oral minoxidil (which is also a vasodilator) and didn’t have any issues with it.
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- Other medications
There are cases of antidepressants interfering with medications to treat epilepsy, diabetes, or certain psychiatric conditions.
That’s why such instances require careful adjustment or alternative treatments at times.
- Severe liver or kidney disease
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- Slower metabolism
Something that not everyone might know is that antidepressants are processed by the liver and kidneys.
In individuals with liver or kidney disease, the body may not be able to clear the medication properly, leading to drug buildup and increased risk of side effects or toxicity.
- Alcohol or substance abuse
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- Compounded side effects
Combining antidepressants with alcohol or recreational drugs can have dangerous side effects like drowsiness, impaired coordination, or respiratory depression.
I drank the occasional pint when on antidepressants, and it didn’t affect me at all. However, it might be different for you, or if you drink large quantities.
Alcohol can also worsen depression and even make the medication less effective.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) precautions
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- Food and drug interactions
MAOIs are a less commonly prescribed class of antidepressants.
One of the reasons is that they can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure if taken with certain foods (like those rich in tyramine, cheese, and smoked meats) or other medications.
These require strict dietary restrictions and careful monitoring because of the potential dangers when misused or abused.
- Allergic reactions
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- Allergy to medication
Though rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to certain antidepressants.
Symptoms can include rash, itching, and swelling, but also more serious conditions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
ALWAYS consult a doctor as quickly as possible when you have severe issues, such as difficulty breathing, since that can potentially be life-threatening.
- Seizure disorders
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- Lowered seizure threshold
Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), can lower the seizure threshold, meaning they may increase the risk of seizures in individuals who are prone to them.
This is especially a concern at higher doses or for individuals with a history of seizures.
- Sudden discontinuation
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- Withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome
Suddenly stopping or rapidly reducing the dose of antidepressants, particularly SSRIs and SNRIs, can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms (headaches, dizziness, irritability, flu-like symptoms).
This is why gradual tapering under medical supervision is recommended when discontinuing treatment to ensure it goes smoothly and without problems.
- Elderly individuals
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- Increased sensitivity to side effects
Older adults may be more sensitive to certain side effects of antidepressants, like confusion, falls, or other cognitive issues.
Some types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are often avoided in older adults because of these dangers.
- Severe or untreated glaucoma
Certain antidepressants, especially Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and some SNRIs, can increase intraocular pressure, worsening narrow-angle glaucoma.
This can lead to severe eye pain and vision issues.
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- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are also contraindicated in individuals with glaucoma due to potential increases in intraocular pressure.
- Pheochromocytoma
This is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
Antidepressants such as SNRIs (which affect norepinephrine levels) and MAOIs can worsen existing blood pressure issues and lead to hypertensive crises in people with this condition.
- Hyperthyroidism or uncontrolled thyroid disorders
Antidepressants that influence norepinephrine (like SNRIs or TCAs) can increase heart rate and blood pressure and may worsen symptoms in people with hyperthyroidism.
In cases where the thyroid is overactive, medications that stimulate the central nervous system may not be safe.
- History of stroke or vascular disorders
Some medications like SNRIs and TCAs can affect blood pressure or vascular tone and may not be safe for people with a history of stroke (CVA) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
The hazards of increasing blood pressure or causing vascular complications might outweigh the benefits in these specific instances.
- Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) and TCAs may raise blood pressure in some individuals.
These types of antidepressants may be contraindicated for those with uncontrolled hypertension since they can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or going through other cardiovascular events.
- Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH)
Some antidepressants, like TCAs and medications with anticholinergic properties, can cause urinary retention and make it difficult for men with enlarged prostates to urinate.
This can worsen BPH symptoms and cause discomfort or more serious urinary issues.
- Bleeding disorders or high risk of bleeding
SSRIs and SNRIs can increase the danger of bleeding.
That’s why individuals who take blood thinners (e.g., warfarin or aspirin) or have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding should take caution.
This risk is due to these antidepressants on platelet function. In these cases, alternative treatments or closer monitoring may be necessary to guarantee the user’s safety.
- Parkinson’s disease
There are antidepressants like TCAs, for instance, that can worsen symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by interfering with dopamine function or causing anticholinergic side effects (like confusion or motor control issues).
Dopaminergic antidepressants, such as bupropion, can be a better option in these circumstances but still require caution and monitoring.
- Porphyria
Porphyria is a rare metabolic disorder.
Certain medications like MAOIs and some TCAs can exacerbate it.
These drugs can trigger attacks in individuals with the illness, leading to abdominal pain, neuropathy, and mental health changes.
- Severe cognitive impairment or dementia
TCAs and anticholinergic antidepressants can cause confusion, memory problems, and worsen cognitive impairment in older adults or people with dementia.
These medications can indirectly increase the risk of falls, delirium, and a decline in mental function, making them less suitable for the aging population and those who are suffering from some kind of cognitive issues.
- Metabolic syndrome or obesity
This can exacerbate health risks in people who already have obesity or metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels).
- Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack)
TCAs and some SNRIs should generally be avoided immediately following a heart attack because they can affect heart rhythm, increase heart rate, or raise blood pressure.
This can be dangerous in this vulnerable period after a heart attack, since the heart is weakened and needs time to recover after this occurrence.
- Psychotic depression
In cases of psychotic depression, where depression is accompanied by psychosis (e.g., delusions or hallucinations), antidepressants alone may be contraindicated.
A combination of antipsychotic medications and antidepressants is typically recommended in these instances, as antidepressants alone can worsen psychotic symptoms.
- Hypertensive crisis with MAOIs
MAOIs can cause severe and dangerous increases in blood pressure, also known as hypertensive crises, if combined with certain foods (like those containing tyramine) or medications (such as decongestants, stimulants, or other antidepressants).
MAOIs are generally contraindicated in people who may struggle to follow the necessary dietary and medication restrictions because of these potentially dangerous interactions.
Conclusion
Although I know the list of possible interactions and risks is extensive, antidepressants are generally safe and well-tolerated.
I did my best to include as many potential dangers as possible, and that’s probably why it’s so comprehensive.
Since antidepressants or any medication for that matter is not my area of expertise, you should always talk with a doctor before starting to use them. That will make sure that you have someone knowledgeable in the field to guide you and adjust the dosages if necessary.
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