Antidepressant and anxiolytic medications are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Briefly, they act directly on the nervous system, regulating substances in the brain. In this way, they reduce the symptoms and/or intensity of the disease’s crises.
Most consumed drugs
THE antidepressant and anxiolytics are part of a list of the most consumed drugs in Brazil, according to a study carried out by Functional Health Tec. According to the survey, women in their 40s are the ones who use these drugs the most, which should only be sold with a prescription.
A survey carried out by the Federal Council of Pharmacy (CFF) showed that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, there was an increase of about 14% in sales of antidepressants and mood stabilizers – medicines used in cases of depressionanxiety, binge eating, bipolar affective disorderamong other conditions.
Dangers of taking these drugs
The use of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications is important and offers health benefits if used correctly. However, like any other type of medicine, when consumed indiscriminately and without medical assistance, it can also pose risks.
The Doctor. Sérgio Rocha, psychiatrist and director of Clínica Revitalis, explains that many people use these medications without any kind of guidance, which can be extremely dangerous. “It is necessary to be careful when using any type of medicine, even those that seem ‘harmless’; but when we talk about antidepressants, care must be intensified”, comments the expert.
indiscriminate use
These drugs are used to treat problems other than depression, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, chronic pain, among others. Therefore, many people end up using it on their own.
“There are people who take it to sleep during a trip, for example, or to reduce their appetite, and most of the time, they are just exposing their own health without any need”, adds Dr. Sergio Rocha.
Side effects of using antidepressants
Any medicine has side effects that can cause physical discomfort and more serious problems, which even require hospitalization. “Among the side effects of antidepressants, we can highlight tachycardia, sexual dysfunction and anticholinergic reactions. Even the most modern medicines still have some effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, sleep changes, energy level and headache,” explains Dr. Sergio Rocha.
Another aggravating factor of this type of medication is that it can cause addiction. With medical guidance, withdrawal is done correctly. “The ‘weaning’ of the medication is done depending on each case and each patient, something that only a professional will know how to do correctly”, he comments.
drug variations
The psychiatrist also explains that there are many types of medication against anxiety and, even with medical advice, many patients need to change medication and dosage until they adapt. “That’s why it’s always important to see a doctor. With so many medications available, only a professional can indicate which is the most appropriate for each situation and can guide the patient in case of any more serious side effects”, he concludes.
By Beatriz Bradley Moreira
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.