That’s right folks, the antidepressants that you’re currently taking could make your depression worse and may also aggravate sexual dysfunction, a new survey has revealed.
The currently available common anti-depression medicine are Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI’s)and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s). However, they are not very optimal in treatment as they often exacerbate sexual dysfunction symptoms and also cause further distress in patients suffering from depression.
The survey was conducted online between September and October by the Sexual Symptoms and Side Effects in Depression (SEXSED) and around 1000 people who were receiving anti depression medicine for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Around 88% participants complained of loss of sexual satisfaction, desire and function, 68% faced sexual symptoms because of their depression and 17% showed problems only after they started taking the anti depressant medication.
There are a lot of short and long term side effects of antidepressants on the entire body with altering changes in the brain.
Short term side effects of anti depressants are include:
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain/loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
Long term side effects include : anxiety , irritability , sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation in men and lack or delayed orgasm in women.
Tip: Always consult your doctor before you stop anti depressant medication
Time to choose your pill wisely.
Best ways to treat depression naturally:
- Make a routine: Make a light daily schedule to plan your day/week and work towards getting back to your old self.
- Set goals for yourself: Start with small goals that can be accomplished, cooking that recipe you wanted to try for a very long time or doing the laundry. When you start gaining that confidence, set yourself more challenging goals, for example running 5 km a week.
- Exercise: As the saying goes, ‘Exercise is medicine’, regular aerobic activity boosts your metabolism and releases endorphins, called the ‘feel good’ chemicals and helps the brain to rewire itself to see things in a positive way. A regular 45 minute activity like a jog or a swim can go a long way.
- Eat healthy, eat balanced: A balanced diet containing folic acid(spinach, green leafy veggies) and omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna) helps beat depression.
- Sleep well: A good 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep can help ease the symptoms of depression. Keep away your cellphones, ipads, no TV, computer at least 2-3 hours before sleeping.
- Challenge yourself to take new responsibilities: Get involved in something you are passionate about, take up some part time job if you are not able to take a full time responsibility, get out of the house and do something that gives your self esteem a boost.
- Learn to keep negative thoughts away: Sometimes you may feel completely off and worthless about yourself, you feel nobody likes you, but is it really like that? Do you have any solid evidence? In such cases, use logic, it takes patience and time, but you can control all those negative thoughts before they control you.
- Using natural supplements: Fish oil , folic acid supplements have shown some evidence in helping with depression, also a herbal remedy called St. John’s Wort can be useful.Always consult your psychiatrist before starting with any supplement, especially when you are already taking medications.
- Get back to your old hobby: Make time for the things you enjoy. Cooking, painting, reading,playing the guitar, exercising, whatever it is- keep going along and having fun. Make fun and happiness a habit!
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