The Antidepressant Side Effect You CAN’T Ignore
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 17, 2022
The mainstream hands out antidepressants like breath mints these days. I call it Tic-Tac Medicine.
Feeling blue? Try some Prozac.
Anxiety causing panic attacks? Here’s some Lexapro.
Not sleeping well? Pop some Paxil.
Battling chronic pain? Zoloft should do the trick.
Want to stop smoking? You get Celexa.
And I’m willing to bet you’ve heard of every one of those drugs before. Because even if your doc hasn’t suggested them for you (yet), chances are you know someone who IS taking them. And then there are the relentless TV commercials urging folks to ask their doctors about them.
But the Tic-Tac approach can have serious health consequences
Antidepressants come with a long list of side effects, including agitation, loss of appetite, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, loss of libido, erection problems, fatigue, and more.
And while these side effects are disturbing, it gets so much worse.
Researchers uncovered something alarming when they tracked the health of almost 250,000 people for five years. Many antidepressants RAISE the risk of heart disease and early death.
According to a new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and paroxetine, is linked to a 34 percent increased risk of heart disease compared to people not on the pills.
But it gets worse.
The risk of DYING from heart disease was a stunning 87 percent higher, and the risk of death from any condition was 73 percent higher.
Why this is true isn’t well understood yet.
In fact, previous studies have shown that, in some cases, antidepressants can lower both blood sugar and blood pressure. So people SHOULDN’T be dropping dead from heart disease. (Perhaps we need to take a MUCH closer look at exactly who was holding the purse strings on those earlier studies.)
If you’re taking an antidepressant, you might be tempted to throw your pills into the trash. DON’T.
Suddenly stopping any drug (especially antidepressants) can be dangerous. ALWAYS consult your doctor first.
Meanwhile, you can take some drug-free steps to naturally support a better mood.
- Studies suggest that inflammation may be at the root of depression. You can naturally reduce inflammation by cutting back on processed foods and taking supplements like fish oil and curcumin.
- Exercise is proven to ease anxiety and depression symptoms. Schedule a daily workout. And whenever possible, do it outdoors to take advantage of the mood-lifting effects of sunlight.
- Support your brain with proven supplements. St. John’s wort and the amino acid 5-HTP can help relieve depressed moods.
- Studies have linked poor sleep to depression, so getting more quality rest can help. If you’re having problems sleeping, you can try calming herbs like chamomile, valerian, kava, and lavender. The amino acid theanine and melatonin can also help you get more quality shut-eye.
If you’re not already on an antidepressant, don’t become a victim of Tic-Tac Medicine. If your doctor suggests an SSRI, ask about trying some alternative approaches first.
P.S. According to a recent study, taking one simple step to boost your gut health can SLASH depression symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating.
Source:
“Antidepressant use and risk of adverse outcomes: Population-based cohort study.” BJPsych Open, 8(5), E164. doi:10.1192/bjo.2022.563
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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