Antidepressants are mainly used to treat depression and other conditions like seizures, anxiety attacks, and stress. The primary function of antidepressants is to balance the hormone and neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It is used to manage mood swings and behavioural changes that are very common in the person who is facing depression. It is prescribed by many doctors and health caretakers for the betterment of such patients. Coming off antidepressants have many drawbacks so do not quit without the permission of the doctor. As antidepressants have also some side effects if you face severe side effects then consult your doctor about it but do not stop taking it without the recommendation of the doctor due to its withdrawal symptoms that are very common and appear in two to three days.
Antidepressants And Their Withdrawal Symptoms
Antidepressants are used to treat the causes of depression. It is mainly used by adults who are 18 years and above. There are many types of antidepressants that are commonly recommended by doctors. The major antidepressants and their subtypes are:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Paroxetine, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Vortioxetine are examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and their main function is to block the reabsorption of serotonin or to increase the serotonin level in the brain. Do not Come off antidepressants with your own choice.
- Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine, Levomilnacipran, and Venlafaxine are major examples of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and their function is similar to SSRI as they stop the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, they are really effective in treating depression.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Imipramine, Protriptyline, and Doxepin are examples of tricyclic antidepressants. These antidepressants block the reabsorption of hormones and neurotransmitters that are essential and treat depression in the best way.
- Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors
Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, Trimipramine, Clomipramine, and Amitriptyline are examples of MAOI. They balance the hormone production in the brain which is the main cause of depression.
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed by doctors for the treatment of depression and they are available as oral tablets. Coming off an antidepressant abruptly may have many life-threatening problems. If you are taking antidepressants and facing some side effects do not quit by your own choice, make sure to consult your doctor about it. As some withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants are very dangerous for health.
The major symptoms may include:
- Stomach disturbances
- Sleep issues
- Sweating
- Feeling anxious
- Tiredness
- Unsteadiness
- Headache
- Feeling irritable
- Depression symptoms
- Nausea
Coming off antidepressant symptoms does not mean you are addicted to them, as there is a complete course that you have to complete, and do not abruptly stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms appear after a few days of quitting it and remain for at least one week but sometimes severe symptoms remain for one month or more. When you feel severe symptoms visit your doctor as they are hazardous for the body.
Conclusion
If you are taking antidepressants from the above-mentioned options your body becomes stable with them and they balance the hormone production in the brain so when you suddenly stop taking them or use them more than recommended time period the hormones become imbalanced and a person may again face the symptoms of depression and some other symptoms as well. Coming off an antidepressants have many health problems so when you are feeling well and you want to quit it or want to take them for a long time, first of all, consult your doctor, s/he may reduce the dose and suggest you slowly stop taking it. Sometimes doctors will recommend antidepressants from other classes to treat the symptoms.