Due to the fact that they aren’t addictive, antidepressants are often not cathegorized as drugs, with the explanation that are substances that can’t be abused. Unfortunately, the prescription drug abuse increased in the last years, and one of the most prescribed medicine are these antidepressants. As their name show us, antidepressants are prescribed to treat depression and other mood disorders, like dysthymia, a type of low-grade bipolar disorder.

There are three different types of antidepressant: MAO Inhibitors (Parnate and Nardil), Tricyclics (Pamelor and Elavil) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs (Paxil and Prozac). The problem is that, when prescribed, antidepressants are expected to affect the body in a certain way. For instance, SSRIs work by making the brain maintain higher levels of serotonin, which provides an overall good feeling. Tricyclics, on the other hand, are a bit broader in their effects, by increasing the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. Lastly, MAOIs, though rarely prescribed nowadays, work by blocking monoamine oxidase so more noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin are left in the brain.

The idea of using antidepressants is to improve one’s mood and to allow them to live a fuller, happier life. But these drugs carry with them the potential for serious side effects. For instance, MAOIs have been known to cause death when mixed with foods that contain Tyramine. Meanwhile, Tricyclics can cause uncomfortable problems like constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness and potentially dangerous ones like increased heart rate, confusion, arrhythmia and toxicity. SSRIs are probably the safest of the antidepressants out there, but even they aren’t side effect-free. The list of problems they can cause includes anxiety, insomnia, decreased libido, fatigue and more.

When you are prescribed antidepressants, your dosages are monitored very closely for how the drugs interact with your body. If you use them without a prescription, you are likely to cause serious problems included emotional disturbances and physical symptoms. Likewise, suddenly stopping antidepressants can cause withdrawal effects like anxiety, headaches and even hallucinations.

Antidepressant abuse is harmful in the long-term because it changes your brain’s way of functioning. Even though initial use of antidepressants in a recreational way can be pleasant, their effects can change so dramatically that in some people they can invoke a desire to commit suicide. These are not drugs that can be abused harmlessly, especially when they haven’t been prescribed to you.

Quitting antidepressants is not easy, but should you decide it is the right decision for your health and future, there are ways to come down off the drugs without experiencing withdrawal. Once you beat your addiction, it is vital to remain in an ongoing recovery program to ensure you stay on target toward a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Antidepressants are very helpful medications for those with emotional problems. However, these drugs are very easy to abuse and it’s possible to even unwittingly take them in the wrong manner. The important thing to know is that there is help out there for antidepressant abuse and even if you feel fine, it might be a good idea to talk to someone about your use of this type of drug.

We strongly recommend to everyone reading this article to stay out of antidepressants abuse, however, if you or someone close to you have problems with antidepressants addiction, we suggest you to visit DrugRehabServices.com.