Antidepressants are not lollipops

Doctors Warning: Antidepressants are not „lollies“

09/16/2014

Although the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are controversial and the risks of drugs underestimated, antidepressants are still being prescribed more and more frequently. Doctors warn against the easy handling of these „Happiness pills“.

Effect of the drugs is controversial
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a drug class of antidepressants that are used in, for example, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, panick attacks or bulimia. However, according to experts, the risks of the drugs are underestimated and the effects are controversial. Nevertheless, SSRIs are being prescribed more and more often in this country. In an interview with the „pharmacy magazine“ (9/2014 B), Professor Tom Bschor, psychiatrist and member of the drug commission of the German medical profession, criticized the careless handling of these antidepressants. „These are not lollipops.“

The number of regulations has quintupled
„Since 1995, the number of SSRI regulations has increased almost fivefold. There are not so many severe depressions“, so choir. Only then would SSRIs be provided according to the guideline. „SSRIs are used in situations where they have lost nothing, do not work and are part of life anyway: sorrow, grief, separation, stress“, explained the psychiatrist. There are also risks: According to Bschor, there are clear indications that SSRIs even increase the risk of suicide among under-25s. In addition, depression after treatment with SSRIs might return sooner and better than without. Bschor reminds: „That's one of the reasons why you need to think carefully about whether to use SSRI in mild depression.“

Numerous side effects threaten
Not to be neglected are also the side effects that can be treated with SSRI. For example, headaches, nausea, inner restlessness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems can occur at the beginning of the treatment. In addition, irreversible sexual dysfunctions can be triggered. In countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, authorities have even warned children about increasing suicidal tendencies and aggression when using SSRIs. Long-term treatment may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Increase in prescriptions for general practitioners
According to health experts, one reason for the increase in the regulation is such „Happiness pills“, that these drugs were also increasingly prescribed by general practitioners. And this despite all risks. Even the reason why the potentially dangerous drugs in depression have a certain effect, was still largely unexplained. (Ad)