Can antidepressants make you more depressed?

Depression is a disorder that can cause feelings of sadness, low energy, and a lack of interest in activities. Several treatments can help alleviate symptoms, such as antidepressant medications.

Still, some believe that taking antidepressants may increase depression symptoms. Evidence surrounding depression as a side effect of antidepressants is limited, but new research is being conducted to establish if this could be true.

Can antidepressants increase depression symptoms?

A growing body of scientific evidence has been published showing that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

These findings have also led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandating a label for antidepressants to warn of the potential increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents.

There has been some disagreement in the medical community about the link between antidepressants and suicide. This is partly because participants in these studies may have already experienced suicidal thoughts or are not responding to the antidepressants. 

More research is needed to determine the link between antidepressants and suicide.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to understand potential side effects and whether antidepressants are the right treatment method for you.

Side effects of antidepressants 

Research shows that it’s possible to experience depression and even suicidal thoughts while taking antidepressants. But there are also several other side effects that can occur, depending on the particular drug.

There are several commonly prescribed antidepressants, including:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor)
• serotonin modulators, such as trazodone (Desyrel) and vilazodone (Viibryd)

All of these drugs work to increase the body’s serotonin, a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain, in order to ease depression.

Some of the more common side effects of these drugs include:

• insomnia
• skin rashes
• nausea
• headaches
• joint and muscle pain
• diarrhea

If you are concerned about side effects from taking antidepressants, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine what medication option may be most suitable for you.

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Treatment options 

There are several types of non-pharmaceutical treatments that may help alleviate depression symptoms. They can be considered on their own or in combination with antidepressants. 

Talk therapy may help with symptoms and provide you with the tools needed to manage your depression. The most common type of talk therapy used to treat depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and yoga may also help. They can be used to relax and uplift the mind and body.

Prevention

Research suggests that one of the most beneficial lifestyle measures for preventing several types of depression is exercise.

The following exercises may help improve mood and energy:

• walking
• jogging
• cycling
• swimming
• hiking

Diet is another lifestyle strategy that can help decrease depression symptoms. A 2021 study suggests that a healthy and balanced diet may assist in the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety.

Foods that are high in antioxidants are among the most beneficial. Examples include:

• blueberries
• green tea
• probiotic foods, like yogurt
• vegetables, like carrots and leafy greens

When should you speak with a doctor?

Anyone experiencing symptoms of depression or who is on antidepressants should work in close partnership with a healthcare professional. If you experience any changes in your symptoms, speak with a doctor. 

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

Summary

Some medical research suggests that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults.

It is important to work closely with a doctor to understand the side effects of medications and learn more about other treatment options.

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