What are the side Effects of Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depressant Medications?

Written By Sheena Schuy

We get it, anxiety can feel really overwhelming and sudden at times, and you may have considered if you need to take medication - or if you're already on medication, is it actually working? Despite what TikTok says on the subject, let's look at the actual effectiveness of medications.

Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. While these medications can be effective for some people, they also come with potential side effects that should be considered before starting treatment. Additionally, medication does not always address the root cause of mental health issues.

What Are Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depressant Medications?

Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications are drugs used to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines work by slowing down the central nervous system, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. Anti-depressants, on the other hand, work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Potential Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depressant Medications

While anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications can be effective for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression, they also come with potential side effects. Some common side effects of these medications include:

Drowsiness or fatigue: Many anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications can cause drowsiness or fatigue, which can make it difficult to concentrate or perform daily tasks.

Nausea and vomiting: Some people experience nausea and vomiting when taking these medications, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment.

Sexual dysfunction: Anti-depressant medications can cause sexual side effects, including decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.

Weight gain: Some anti-depressant medications can cause weight gain, which can be a concern for people with pre-existing weight issues.

Withdrawal symptoms: When stopping anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, some people experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, and flu-like symptoms.

The Ineffectiveness of Medication for Anxiety and Depression

While anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications can be helpful for some individuals, research suggests that they may not be as effective as previously believed. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that up to 50% of patients with depression do not respond to initial treatment with anti-depressants. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that individuals with anxiety who received cognitive-behavioral therapy had greater reductions in anxiety symptoms than those who received medication alone.

Additionally, Kelly Brogan MD, a holistic psychiatrist, argues that medication for mental health issues may actually be harmful in some cases. In her book "A Mind of Your Own," she cites research that suggests anti-depressants may increase the risk of suicide in some individuals and that they can also cause long-term changes in the brain that may worsen mental health symptoms.

Medication Does Not Get to the Root Cause of the Mental Health Issue

One major limitation of medication for anxiety and depression is that it does not address the underlying causes of these conditions. Our thoughts actually create neural pathways in our brain, and negative thought patterns can contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. By working with a therapist or other mental health professional, individuals can learn to identify and reframe negative thoughts, which can help create new neural pathways in the brain and lead to long-term relief from symptoms. Also living in a fast-paced, capitalist society that does not value rest, leisure and play compared to productivity and the bottom-line is also problematic, living in social sphere that has this mentality has shown to be a large contributor or anxiety and depression issuse, trained social workers can help clients find ways to create balance in this kind of environment.

Conclusion

Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications can be effective for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression, but

hey also come with potential side effects and may not be as effective as previously believed. It's important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of medication before starting treatment and to explore other options, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches, for addressing the root causes of mental health issues.

If you're currently taking anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication, it's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor any potential side effects and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your treatment plan. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment, and finding the right approach for you may take time and experimentation.

Support for Anxiety and Mood

If you’ve noticed that stress or anxiety is starting to affect your day-to-day life, talking with a mental health professional can help you to identify the source of your worry, and create a holistic support plan to lessen its impact on you. 

At Savasana Collective, we take a holistic approach to supporting our clients, understanding the role that other experiences in our lives (such as trauma, neurodiversity, and the capitalist structures we live in that prioritise hustle culture) play in contributing to our experiences of anxiety. 

If you’re reading this post because you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, please know that you’re not alone, and support is available.  

If you enjoyed this post and want more take our free quiz, book a free 15 minute consult or check out our podcast. And if you’re a health professional come connect with us over at Therapist VA.

Sources:

Sheena Schuy
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