8 interesting facts from doctors

Antidepressants save lives. And no, it’s not just a pathetic phrase.

Mathematical modeling The probable suicide rates from 1988 to 2002 shows that the expected mortality from suicide decreased by 33,000 people from the time of the introduction of antidepressants.

The research group found the strongest effect among women.

Antidepressants broke into medicine … Thanks to tuberculosis.

In the 1950s, scientists conducted study of a new drug against tuberculosis – Ironazid.

Although investigated the effect on an infectious disease, patients suddenly experienced striking changes in their well -being. Those, which were sluggish and depressed yesterday, began to talk about the uplifting mood, the return of appetite and the normalization of sleep.

However, the drug had serious side effects, such as increased blood pressure and liver damage.

Today, antidepressants are prescribed against depressive disorders. But Not just. Doctors may recommend them at anxietychronic pain, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Bulimiasevere manifestations of PMS and more.

There are different ones Groups of antidepressantsdespite the prejudice of society, with quite moderate side effects.

Antidepressants are still enveloped by myths – as if they are addicted or « a person’s vegetables ». At the same time, there are things that are really important to know about antidepressants.

To do this we talked to:

• psychiatrist Yevgeny Skrypnyk,

• neurologist and psychiatrist Sergey Fernandez de Rives,

• family doctor and psychiatry Tatiana Kabakova.

Fact 1. Antidepressants at the beginning of taking can worsen your symptoms

This is especially true of anxiety symptoms. Why?

”Because you have energy, but energy for anxiety too. Antidepressants change thinking but it takes time« , – explains the psychiatrist and neurologist Sergei Fernandez de Riven.

That is why patients who have anxiety or suicidal thoughts in addition to depression, should be observed with particular attention for the first 2-3 weeks.

For example, as it is in one studyin which 700 participants participated, 38% felt at least one side effect on antidepressants. Sexual dysfunctions, weight gain and insomnia were the most common.

To minimize the side effects, doctors often prescribe « cover », such as tranquilizers.

”In severe depression, a person has no effort to take certain actions. And if there is energy, and the thoughts of shortening age have not receded, then there is a risk of realization. That is why tranquilizers are often prescribed with antidepressants in the first weeks. It is not necessary to be frightened. This will help to move temporary side effects. They are usually taken for the first two weeks« , – adds psychiatrist Yevgeny Skrypnyk.

Fernandez de-Rives adds that there are antidepressants who cope better with anxiety than depression. However, even antidepressants that have a stimulating effect can be auxiliary with anxiety. They affect the level of serotonin, which regulates not only the mood, but also in general increases stress resistance.

Fact 2. There are symptoms that antidepressants will help you cope immediately

For example, irritation. As they show Some studiescertain antidepressants in the first days of reception help the brain better regulate emotions and control anger. Also, certain drugs can immediately relieve the symptoms of severe PMS in women or the so -called « premenstrual dysphoric disorder ».

Fact 3. Some antidepressants provoke… very strange and bright dreams

Often this is with a drug that contains such an active substance as fluoxetine hydrochloride.

Yevgeny Skrypnyk says it can be nightmares, psychedelika or erotic dreams. But there are just beautiful and bright dreams.

Why? Some sleep experts believewhat is the matter in serotonin. And often this effect has antidepressants with serotonin reuptake inhibitors groups. For example, Dr. Chris Winter states that serotonin, although contributing to falling asleep, can have a « significant » effect on the fast sleep phase (REM).

« Rem phase is part of a natural human sleep cycle, during which dreaming and consolidation of memories. Rem-Son occurs immediately after the third stage of Non-Rem of sleep when the body is in the deepest and most renewable phase of sleep », – He says he.

Fact 4. With antidepressants you can really not eat grapefruits. But .., it is about a large number of grapefruits

« Grapefruits are not recommended to use with antidepressants as they affect the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of these drugs, » – explains Yevgeny Skrypnyk.

In particular, it is about enzyme P450. Grapefruit is « disposed of » with the same enzyme.

”If a person consumes grapefruit, it can lead to an increase in the concentration of antidepressants in the body, which, in turn, can cause increased effects and side effects. For example, if a patient takes 20 mg of antidepressant, because of interaction with grapefruit it can be felt as 40 mg« , – explains the psychiatrist.

But, as the psychiatrist adds, nothing will happen from one piece of fruit, especially if we take medicines from the group of inhibitors of reuptake serotonin.

Fact 5. Many types of antidepressants may reduce libido

Yes, on the one hand, they reduce anxiety, improve mood and return the desire to live. But sex life can be affected.

Yevgeny Skrypnyk explains that this is because some antidepressants reduce dopamine, which is important for sexual arousal and orgasm.

At the same time, there are antidepressants that increase libido. If a decrease in sexual activity seriously spoils the quality of life, sometimes the doctor may advise them to take them additionally. However, it is very important to discuss with your psychiatrist.

Fact 6. Antidepressants work not only against depression

A number of difficult conditions can be controlled with antidepressants. Some antidepressants help to overcome anxiety, chronic pain, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia and even overcome addiction. For example, some antidepressants prescribed It is difficult for people to quit smoking.

Fact 7. Antidepressants should take a long time

According to Eugene Skrypnyk, one of the most common mistakes in the use of antidepressants is that they are prescribed for a short period of time – a month or two.

Treatment should last at least 6 months after remission. And in the situation in which Ukrainians live – at least a year.

That is, in no way can pills be thrown, because it « got better. » Then it all depends on the condition and individual characteristics of the person. Sometimes the drug should be taken for years if depressive episodes return.

The essence of the duration of treatment prevented Repeat of a depressive episode.

From Third to half People will receive a recurrence of the disease if after the onset of remission will be thrown to take the drug.

Fact 8. Antidepressants can affect your weight

« And keyword here » can « , – says Yevgeny Skrypnyk.

It adds that there are types of antidepressants that are at high risk of such a side effect as weight gain.

And there are those who are at very low risk, or at all contribute to weight loss.

”When a person who has excess or, conversely, weight deficiency, is also one of the factors that the psychiatrist takes into account when picking up the drug. Some kinds of antidepressants I will never prescribe a person who already has overweight, or the issue of gain/weight loss for her is very important « He says.

Why do antidepressants affect weight?

This happens for various reasons. Some may suppress appetite. Some, on the contrary, raise and at the same time slow down Basic metabolism.

But sometimes weight gain can happen, because during depression, a person often loses interest in food. Recovery also leads to the normalization of appetite and, as a consequence, weight gain.

The most important thing is to understand: antidepressants are medicines.

They work and improve life. Like any drugs, they can have their side effects. But the keyword here « can ».

Most of the side effects are temporary and control.

Natalia Bushkovskayaespecially for UP. Life