What happens if I take antidepressants without having depression?

In recent years, concern for mental health and its care has increased in our society. In this context, antidepressants and their use have gained considerable relevance. In Spain, the sale of antidepressants increased by 10% in 2021, dispensing almost 51 million prescriptions for these psychoactive drugs.

These medications are prescribed by a psychiatrist to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders and seasonal affective disorder, among others. They were developed in the 1950s, but, as the data shows, they have become part of our daily lives. Many people may want to take antidepressants without having a prescription or a diagnosis, given their social normalization for the care of our mental health.

Throughout this article we are going to answer the question about the effects of taking antidepressants without having depression. To begin with, it is important to make it clear that self-medication can be dangerous and is not advisable under any circumstances. If you are considering the need to take antidepressants, you should consult a doctor. In this article we will discuss the dangerous effects of taking antidepressants without a proper diagnosis.

What are antidepressants?

Before delving into the effects of antidepressants and the reasons why their use is not recommended use without medical supervision, it is important to know what antidepressants are and their effects on our organism.

antidepressants are a class of psychoactive drugs designed specifically for the treatment of depression and other mood disorderseither. There are different types of antidepressants, but they all have the same goal: to achieve and maintain brain chemical balance by regulating neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that have the ability to transmit signals between our neurons and nerve cells. Depression generates an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Antidepressants help the segregation of these neurotransmitters and facilitate communication between nerve cells, having a direct impact on our mood.

Among the different types of antidepressants are selective inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and antidepressants tricyclics. Each one works differently to have specific effects on specific neurotransmitters. The choice of the most suitable antidepressant for each patient is based on an individualized evaluation. and on the specific characteristics of each patient.

• Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

Use of antidepressants for depression

As we have commented, antidepressants are widely and commonly used for the treatment of depression, a disorder whose main effect is focused on the emotional well-being of the people who suffer from it suffer. These medications may play a crucial role in relieving depressive symptoms and improving patients' psychological and social functioning.

When the symptoms of depression are persistent and have a significant effect on people's daily lives affected, health professionals may consider the use of antidepressants for the treatment plan, which usually It is recommended that it be accompanied by psychotherapy. These medications are prescribed after assessment of symptoms and consideration of each patient's medical history and individual factors.

For this reason, medical care throughout treatment with antidepressants is important. Health professionals evaluate the response to it, adjusting the doses as necessary and monitoring the side effects that may be experienced.

Normally, the effects of antidepressants can be significant in recovery from depression. Many patients experience an improvement in depressive symptoms, greater emotional stability, and better ability to function in daily life. However, it is very important to keep in mind that antidepressants are not a silver bullet and that Each individual case is different so not all people have the same reactions to the treatment.

• You may be interested in: "Types of psychoactive drugs: uses and side effects"

The effects of taking antidepressants without having depression

Once exposed the effects of antidepressants in our body, it is time to answer the main question; what happens if we take antidepressants without having depression? Is it safe to do it?

As we have said, antidepressants were specifically designed for the treatment of depression, other mood disorders, and their associated symptoms. These medications should not be taken without medical supervision or indication.. Taking antidepressants without a diagnosis of depression can have negative health consequences and is not scientifically supported or recommended for health.

One of the main concerns lies in the possible side effects of antidepressants and its aggravation in case of not having real symptoms on which its use has an adequate effect. These effects are variable depending on the type of antidepressant and each person, but include nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, decreased libido, agitation, weight changes and intestinal problems, among others. Besides, some people may have a worsening of mood.

In addition to the side effects, it is important to note that antidepressants are not intended to improve the mood or emotional well-being of people who do not suffer from depression diagnosed. These work by interacting with the specific neurotransmitters involved in depression, so their effectiveness in other contexts is null or harmful. If you feel sad and want to improve your mood, take antidepressants without a medical justification adequate may not give you the desired results and, in addition, it may put your physical and mental health at risk. psychological.

It is crucial to make it clear that each person is unique and has different responses to antidepressant use. What works for people with depression will not necessarily work for someone without this condition. The taking of antidepressants should be individualized and based on constant medical evaluation and supervision. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties or depressive symptoms, it is essential to seek professional help.

A health professional will adequately assess your specific situation and help you find a diagnosis and treatment that fit your case. Medication is not always necessary, and although it is presented to us as an "easy path", it can be associated with many complications if its use is not structured in a safe way.

What alternatives are there?

If you are going through difficult times in terms of your emotional well-being, there are other alternatives to the use of antidepressants to focus your emotionality; especially if you do not have a diagnosis of depression. Here we leave you different alternatives to pharmacology to improve your mood and well-being emotional if you do not have depression and you are thinking of using psychotropic drugs to change your emotions.

1. psychological therapy

Going to psychological therapy when you are having a bad time in terms of your emotions can be a very effective solution. There are many different therapeutic approaches, although the one that has received the most support and scientific evidence is cognitive-behavioral.. This therapy focuses on the identification and modification of negative thought patterns. associated with emotions or behaviors that may be maladaptive and contribute to your discomfort emotional. Its objective is to help you develop skills to face emotional challenges and promote positive changes in your life and in your day to day.

• You may be interested in: "The 10 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

2. regular physical exercise

Physical activity has been shown to be effective in improving mood, as well as reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, playing sports causes our body to release endorphins; neurotransmitters that contribute to our sense of well-being and relieve stress. It can be very difficult to maintain physical exercise routines with the hectic pace that our life can have focused on our obligations, but it is very positive to try at least 30 minutes of daily physical activitysuch as walking, running, or swimming.

3. Stress management

There are techniques to manage daily stress that can work and improve your mood. Some of them are meditation, the use of deep breaths, the practice of relaxing activities or the establishment of healthy limits in your daily life and in your social relationships. It is very important to find ways to reduce our sources of stress and encourage self-care in our daily routines.

4. Social support

Contact and connection with other people has been shown to be essential for emotional well-being. Don't be afraid or ashamed to seek social support through your friends, family or social activities that are positive for you. Sharing your experiences and emotions with people you trust can give you a different perspective and valuable emotional support.

Don't self medicate

In conclusion, with this article we want to convey the importance of avoiding self-medication. This it can cause many side effects or health problems that will not solve your emotional problems, and, in addition, they will generate other problems related to the way in which your body reacts to medications.

It is important to generate other ways to improve our state of mind that are not focused on the use of psychotropic drugs, to avoid putting our health at risk. at risk and generate cognitive, emotional and social structures that have temporary stability in their ability to improve our state of mind. cheer up. If you really feel the need to take antidepressants or think you may be going through depression, the most important thing is that you go to the doctor to start an adequate treatment for you.