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The side effects that can tag along with antidepressants

Nearly every other individual suffering from depression is prescribed an antidepressant nowadays. While these antidepressants can improve your mood for the better, it would take some time for them to have an effect on your mind. In the meantime however, you will be exposed to the myriad side effects caused by these medications, including even getting suicidal thoughts.

There are chances that you might need to switch between different antidepressants before zeroing in on the one that suits your condition the best, thus exposing your body to more side effects caused by these drugs.

The myriad dangers of taking antidepressants

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The majority of antidepressants do not come without their share of side effects and issues. Some of the most common side effects caused by them include body pain, weight gain, bladder problems, diarrhea, constipation, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, anxiety, blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, heart palpitations, sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction. In the worst case scenario, an antidepressant may have the opposite effect on an individual and stimulate suicidal thoughts.

Some argue that these symptoms are only temporary and may last no longer than a week at the most. However, they do recommend that it is wise to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not recede even after the first week of taking antidepressants.

How to use antidepressants safely

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If you are suffering from depression, the best and safest option for you would be to get in touch with a doctor who can diagnose the condition and treat it accordingly.

Your doctor would check your previous medical history and probably prescribe the same antidepressant you used earlier. The doctor would also prescribe the same medication that was used by any relatives in your house who had depression.

Choose an antidepressant that has minimal side effects on your body. It should also not aggravate any health condition you already have, and not react adversely with any other medications you are already taking.

Choose an antidepressant that can work even with minimal doses. This would prevent you from having to pop a pill at regular intervals, and eventually get addicted to the same.

Natural ways to treat depression

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Rather than sticking to antidepressants, it is recommended that you opt for natural alternatives to treat depression. Some of these highly effective remedies include:

  • Take some Time Out

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Sometimes all it needs is some personal time out from your worries to combat depression. If you feel an attack on the way (denoted by sweaty palms, racing heart and a confused, panicky feeling), take some time out to calm down. Push out these worries from your head by distracting yourself with an activity you find enjoyable. A simple walk, a bath, a cup of hot chocolate or maybe reading your favorite book. These are all it would take to calm your mind and fight off a depressing mood.

  • Embrace your fears and welcome the worst

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Rather than trying to fight off your fears instead of running away from them. Visualize your greatest fears and imagine the worst that could come out of them. Now try reenacting that scenario in real life. You will be surprised to note that the seemingly big fear that was chasing you all this time is really miniscule in comparison.

  • Don’t expect to be perfect

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Just because you are not perfect in something doesn’t mean you are a failure in it. Expecting perfections would only lead to unrealistic demands that would further set the tone for anxiety and depression. Tell yourself that setbacks are normal and a part and parcel of daily life. So don’t go overboard into thinking that your life is a mess just because it is no going the way you planned it to.

Individuals suffering from depression are usually prescribed anti-depressants to treat the condition. In addition to causing myriad side effects, anti-depressants can cause suicidal thoughts in those who take them. Hence it is considered wise to opt for natural ways to treat depression than relying on medications.

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