Antidepressant Side Effects & Drug-Free Depression Treatment

Antidepressant side effects – what you need to know

Depression can be a debilitating mental illness, affecting everything from your work life and relationships to your self esteem. It’s so much more than just feeling low, and anyone can get depression – even when there is no obvious cause.

How do you know if you’re depressed? Each person is affected by depression in a slightly different way, but some of the most common symptoms of depression include feeling low or down for a prolonged period of time, having no interest in seeing family and friends, low energy, low self esteem, trouble concentrating, changes in appetite, insomnia, suicidal thoughts and more. Depression can be triggered by a stressful event like a divorce, bereavement, or life change. If you have a family history of depression, it is thought you may be more likely to suffer from it than those who do not have a family history of depression.

Antidepressants tend to be the first-line treatment for depression, and are usually combined with a form of talking therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). GPs may also suggest regular exercise like brisk walks, as this triggers the body to release feel-good chemicals like endorphins which help lift mood.

What is the most common antidepressant in the UK?

There are a few types of antidepressants that GPs in the UK use and they all work in slightly different ways. These include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Noradrenaline and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NASSAs), and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs).

SSRIs are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants because they are generally the most well-tolerated – you may recognise names like sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. They block reuptake of serotonin, meaning that more is available to pass messages between nerve cells. Serotonin is one of the ‘happy hormones’ so it can have a positive influence on mood. It can take up to 4 weeks before you notice an impact with SSRIs.

Long term side effects of antidepressants

Can antidepressants have negative side effects? Unfortunately the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. In fact, any medication comes with risk of side effects. Although they are helpful for some, many people taking antidepressants will experience side effects. 

Antidepressants can react with other medications, so always check the instruction booklet before beginning any new medication.

• Low sex drive and difficulty achieving orgasm
• Feeling nauseous
• Feeling anxious and agitated
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain
• Suicidal feelings
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth

Sometimes, these outweigh the benefits. For some people, these side effects are so disabling that they have to stop taking them. The good news is that there are treatments for depression that are just as – if not more – effective, and don’t bring with them the side effects of antidepressants. We are talking about repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). 

Depression treatment without antidepressants

rTMS treatment may be reasonably new to the UK but has been used in the US for years. It works by stimulating the part of the brain that regulates mood. How does it do this? You’ll sit in a comfortable chair and wear a fabric cap that allows the specialist practitioner to align the machine correctly. When the machine is turned on it uses magnetic energy to stimulate the brain in a non-invasive, pain-free way. Some people report a slight tingling sensation. This is a safe treatment that is very different to ECT, which is seen as controversial and only used in very severe cases. 

rTMS requires daily sessions for up to 6 weeks, but has long-lasting results that can be maintained with top-up sessions. A large proportion of people who find antidepressants ineffective find that rTMS is helpful. Unfortunately, rTMS is available in very limited areas on the NHS. You may find it easier to seek rTMS in the UK from a private mental health clinic.

Recovery without antidepressants

If you think you are suffering with depression and feel ready to seek help – well done, you’ve taken the first step to recovery. It’s time to make an appointment with your GP or a private mental health clinic to see how they can help you. If you’re already on antidepressants but find they aren’t working as you’d hoped, perhaps it’s time to mention rTMS to your practitioner.