The interpersonal adverse effects reported by 1008 users of antidepressants; and the incremental impact of polypharmacy

Abstract

Antidepressant drugs are being prescribed at ever increasing rates internationally, despite marginal benefit compared to placebo and a range of adverse effects. Most studies of adverse effects focus on biological phenomena. This article presents the results of an online survey of 1008 self-selected anti-depressant users in Britain, which asked about five adverse effects in the interpersonal domain. The most commonly reported among participants who took only antidepressants were: Sex Life - 43.7%, Work or Study - 27.0% and Social Life - 23.5%. These rates of interpersonal adverse effects were even higher for the 52% of participants who were also taking one or more other psychiatric drugs. Only about a half (48%) felt they had been given enough information about side effects by the prescriber. Those initially prescribed medication by a psychiatrist were more likely to be on several types of drugs and reported more adverse effects than those whose prescriber was a General Practitioner (GP). Researchers and prescribers are encouraged to pay greater attention to interpersonal adverse effects.

Adverse Effects of Antidepressants Reported by a Large International Cohort: Emotional Blunting, Suicidality, and Withdrawal Effects

“…Similarly, a UK online survey of over 1,000 AD users [26] found that 60% reported negative effects in at least one of the five interpersonal domains assessed (most commonly 'Sex life'…”

How many of 1829 antidepressant users report withdrawal effects or addiction?

“…The 2012 survey of over 1000 UK AD users (Read et al . ) found that 71% had never had their GP or psychiatrist raise the possibility of coming off, including 66% of those who had been on them for either 5 or 10 years. More than a third (37%) expected to be on their medication ‘for ever’.…”

“…Another UK survey, of over 1000 AD users, found that 37% had been taking antidepressants for more than 5 years, and 20% for more than 10 years (Read et al . ).…”

Increase in the folate level can decrease the intensity of disorder in patients with depression who use citalopram: a randomized clinical trial

“…One of the reasons of this is that people with depression do not reach to their therapeutic goals [4]. Because the increase of dosage of anti-depressant agents can increase their side effects [5,6], recent efforts have focused on increasing the effectiveness of drugs [7,8].…”