Antidepressants: Myths and Realities

Myths about antidepressants often cause more harm than the illness itself — they prevent people from seeking medical help in time. In this article, we will answer the most common questions: do antidepressants cause dependence, do they change your personality, and why is it unsafe to stop taking them on your own?

How an Antidepressant Works

Modern antidepressants (most commonly medications from the SSRI and SNRI groups) regulate the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Their effectiveness in treating depression has been confirmed by large-scale studies [1,2]. It usually takes 2–4 weeks for the full effect to appear, and sometimes even 6–8 weeks: in the first weeks, sleep and appetite tend to improve, while mood usually improves later.

Myth 1: “Antidepressants cause addiction”

Modern antidepressants do not cause drug addiction — they do not create a “craving to use” or a need for constant dose escalation. The real risk of dependence is associated with other groups of medications (for example, benzodiazepines), which are used at GSMRC only minimally and strictly according to clear medical indications. Discontinuation of an antidepressant is done gradually, under a doctor’s supervision.

Myth 2: “Medication Changes Your Personality”

Medication works on symptoms—such as anxiety, insomnia, and apathy—and not on your personal values, character, or beliefs. The goal of treatment is precisely to help you return to your natural, healthy state.

Myth 3: “If I start taking them, I’ll have to stay on them for life”

The duration of treatment is individual. In many cases, once your condition has stabilized, the doctor will gradually taper the medication. Some patients need long-term maintenance treatment — this decision is always made together, based on regular assessment of your condition.

Myth 4: “I will definitely gain weight”

Some medications may affect appetite, but in modern psychopharmacology there are many alternatives that do not influence metabolism. Your doctor will select the medication individually, taking into account your health, lifestyle, and priorities.

Real side effects — what to expect

During the first 1–2 weeks, you may experience:

• Nausea;
• Headache;
• Insomnia or excessive sleepiness;
• Changes in appetite.

These effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own. If any symptom is severe or does not go away, inform your doctor: adjusting the dose or changing the medication is often sufficient.

Why You Should Not Stop Medication on Your Own

Stopping an antidepressant suddenly, without consulting your doctor, can lead to dizziness, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, anxiety and — most importantly — the return of depression. Discontinuation should always be done gradually, under medical supervision. For the same reason, starting an antidepressant “over the counter” or on your own is also risky: choosing the right medication requires a professional assessment of your condition.

Alcohol use during treatment

During treatment, drinking alcohol is not recommended: it may increase side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, be sure to inform your doctor — your treatment plan will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Medication or psychotherapy?

This is a false opposition — in many cases, the best results come from combining both approaches [1]. Medication works on a biological level, while psychotherapy focuses on patterns of thinking, emotional responses, and behavioral habits. At GSMRC, treatment plans are developed individually, with the goal not only of relieving symptoms, but also of restoring quality of life.

⚠️ The main rule

Never start and never stop an antidepressant without consulting a doctor. If you have any questions, call us at +995 32 2 440 550 — a consultation with a psychiatrist is the safest way to make the right decision.

See also

→ Depression symptoms and signs

→ Depression treatment in Tbilisi

→ Dependence on pharmacy medicines

→ Psychiatrist consultation

Sources

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Depression in adults: treatment and management. NICE guideline NG222; 2022. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222

2. Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, et al. Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet. 2018;391(10128):1357-1366. PMID: 29477251

3. World Health Organization. Depressive disorder (depression). Fact sheet. WHO; 2025. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression