What is an Antidepressant? What Does It Do? How Are Antidepressants Used?

Creator: Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board
Published: 13-02-2025

Psychiatrist Assoc. Prof. Naz Berfu Akbaş highlighted the increasing use of antidepressants in our country, stating, "These drugs, known as happiness pills, are often used based on advice from friends and relatives. However, this is highly risky." Recent data shows a significant increase in antidepressant use worldwide and in our country. Studies report that between 2018 and 2024, especially after the pandemic, antidepressant use in our country has risen by 24.5%. This indicates that antidepressants are being used indiscriminately.

Assoc. Prof. Naz Berfu Akbaş pointed out that these medications can be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription, adding, "However, this is a serious issue." She explained the essential points about antidepressants as follows:

When Are Antidepressants Prescribed?

Antidepressants are primarily prescribed for depression but are also used for other psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, they can be prescribed for pain-related disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and migraines.

How Do Antidepressants Work?

Many people take antidepressants based on recommendations from family and friends. However, not all cases of depression share the same characteristics. The selection of an antidepressant should consider factors such as the person's age, weight, sleep patterns, and any co-existing medical conditions. Not every antidepressant has the same effect on every patient.

How Should Antidepressants Be Used?

What Are the Side Effects of Antidepressants?

Although antidepressants should only be sold with a prescription, they are often obtained improperly from pharmacies in our country, which is a serious issue. Like all medications, antidepressants have side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and palpitations, but these typically subside within a week. Additionally, antidepressants can cause sexual dysfunction, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Uncontrolled and prolonged use can lead to sodium deficiency in the body, affecting brain function. Furthermore, if an individual has undiagnosed bipolar disorder, taking antidepressants alone may trigger a manic episode, which can be highly dangerous.

Calling Them ‘Happiness Pills’ Is Incorrect

Referring to antidepressants as "happiness pills" contributes to their inappropriate use. Some patients say, "I'm happy, but I want to be even happier" and request antidepressants. Depression is a serious illness, and a diagnosis requires a person to feel persistently unhappy and unmotivated for at least 15 days. Simply feeling down for a day does not justify taking an antidepressant, and doing so would be ineffective.

Who Can Prescribe Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are not only prescribed by psychiatrists but also frequently by doctors from other medical specialties. This issue needs better regulation. Physicians should receive more education on antidepressants. Unfortunately, it is impossible to regulate all online information, but misleading sources are becoming increasingly dangerous. Patients should not have easy access to these drugs, and competent institutions should provide sufficient information about their proper use, effects, and side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antidepressants

Can Misuse of Antidepressants Cause Memory Loss?

There is evidence that antidepressants protect and improve brain cells, so they are unlikely to cause memory loss. On the contrary, untreated, recurrent, or chronic depression may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Which Age Groups Are Most Affected by Misuse?

Misuse is more commonly seen among young people and young adults.

Are Herbal Antidepressants Beneficial?

Herbal medications are released to the market without being tested on humans. They are licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture rather than the Ministry of Health, which makes them more dangerous. These substances can cause severe conditions like liver or kidney failure, which can be fatal. Therefore, doctors do not recommend them.

What Should Be Considered Before Using Antidepressants?

As mentioned earlier, antidepressants are frequently prescribed not only by psychiatrists but also by other doctors. This situation needs better oversight. Physicians should improve their knowledge of these medications. Unfortunately, online information is difficult to regulate, and misleading content can cause more harm than good. Finally, as previously stated, easy access to these drugs should be restricted, and patients should receive adequate information about their usage, effects, and side effects from competent institutions.