In early 2023, Liana Shatova began taking low doses of an antidepressant to ease symptoms of a premenstrual disorder marked by mood swings, anxiety and depression. At first, the difference was remarkable for her.
“I felt full of energy and could juggle multiple things at once,” saeid shatova,40,a buisness growth manager from the Greater Boston area.
Then, after around 18 months on the medication, she started to fear she was becoming emotionally numb.
“My best friend’s mom died unexpectedly,everyone was in shock and sobbing,and I couldn’t cry at all,” said Shatova. “I just felt nothing.”
When Shatova asked her doctor if she could stop taking the medication sertraline, an antidepressant better known by its brand name Zoloft, she said she was reassured that she was on the lowest prescribed dose and that coming off it wouldn’t be arduous.
Initially all seemed well, but after a month, Shatova said she experienced her first bout of what would become chronic insomnia, followed by panic attacks. Other symptoms emerged, including night sweats, muscle and joint pain and mood swings that left her unable to work.
She said her doctor told her that the symptoms were a relapse of her premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and suggested a different antidepressant. Shatova declined the new drug.Antidepressants, primarily SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, taken by tens of millions of adults. About twice as many women as men report using an antidepressant in the past 30 days, with antidepressant use highest among women aged 60 and older, according to government data.
Side effects are a key reason people choose to go off their medication, but stopping the drugs can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, research indicates.Along with the growing awareness,a deprescribing movement is building up in the field of psychiatry,aimed at helping patients reduce or stop their medications when no longer considered necessary.In a recent large analysis published in The Lancet in November, researchers at King’s College London found that physical side effects, including fast weight gain, significantly increased heart rate or elevated blood pressure, may be more common than once thought, depending on the drug.The review analyzed results from 151 clinical trials and 17 reports from the Food and Drug Governance, involving about 30 different prescription drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar and panic disorders.
The researchers examined the effects of antidepressants on weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure and heart rate.They didn’t look at emotional changes experienced by patients such as Shatova, although the lead study author said it should be examined further in future studies.
“Not all antidepressants are built the same when it comes to their physical health side effects,” said Dr. Toby Pillinger, an academic clinical lecturer at King’s College London, who led the study. “Up until recently, we’ve approached antidepressants as if they all have the same side effect profile.”“`html
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. you can connect with trained counselors by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org. The network, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention lifeline, is also available at 800-273-8255, and additional resources can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Understanding the 988 Suicide & crisis Lifeline
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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers providing free, confidential support 24/7. It’s a vital resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. In July 2022, the Lifeline transitioned to the simpler, more memorable 988 number, replacing the previous 10-digit number.This change aimed to improve accessibility and encourage more people to seek help when they need it. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) oversees the 988 Lifeline.
What to Expect When You Call or Text 988
When you contact the 988 Lifeline, you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who can provide support and resources. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Confidentiality: Your conversation is private and confidential, within the limits of the law.
- Non-Judgmental Support: Counselors are trained to listen without judgment and provide empathetic support.
- Crisis Assessment: the counselor will assess your situation to understand the nature of your distress.
- Safety Planning: If you are in immediate danger, the counselor will help you create a safety plan.
- Resource Connection: The Lifeline can connect you with local mental health services, support groups, and other resources.
Who Can Benefit from the 988 Lifeline?
The 988 Lifeline is available to anyone, regardless of their situation.It’s not just for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. You can reach out if you are:
- Experiencing a mental health crisis
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Dealing with emotional distress
- Struggling with substance use
- Concerned about a friend or family member
Beyond 988: Additional resources
While 988 is a crucial resource, several other organizations offer support for mental health and suicide prevention:
- Crisis Text line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor via text message. Learn more at Crisis Text Line.
- The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people.Call 1-866-488-7386 or visit The Trevor Project’s website.
- The Veterans Crisis Line: Offers confidential support to veterans and their families. Call 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or text 838255. Visit the Veterans Crisis line website.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free, 24/7 information service, in English and Spanish, providing referrals to local treatment facilities
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