5 Things to Know About Antidepressants

From a Clinical Hypnotist Supporting Clients with Depression, With or Without Medication.

If you're struggling with depression or considering whether to stay on, start, or come off antidepressants, I want you to know this: You’re not alone, and you have options.

As a therapist, I’ve supported many individuals through depression, with and without medication.

And while I’m not a medical doctor and do not give medical advice, I believe you deserve honest, research-based information so you can make empowered decisions about your health.

1. Antidepressants Can Have Serious Side Effects

While some people experience short-term relief, others find themselves dealing with unexpected side effects—emotional numbness, sleep disruption, sexual dysfunction, or even suicidal thoughts. These reactions are not rare, and unfortunately, they’re not always clearly explained by prescribers. Medication-related injuries and deaths now rank among the top causes of mortality in medical settings. (Starfield, B., 2000, JAMA)

2. The “Chemical Imbalance” Theory Is Not Proven

You may have heard that depression is caused by a lack of serotonin or a chemical imbalance in the brain. This idea has been heavily marketed, but it’s not backed by strong scientific evidence. Depression is a complex experience involving emotional, relational, and situational factors, not just biology.

3. All Antidepressants Are About Equally Effective

No single antidepressant has consistently outperformed the others in clinical trials. What works best varies from person to person. This means if several medications haven’t helped you, the system, not you, may be the issue.

4. A Higher Dose Doesn't Mean Faster Relief

Increasing the dosage doesn’t always lead to better results, but it does increase the risk of side effects. If you're taking antidepressants, a lower dose is often safer and more tolerable.

5. Therapy Can Be More Effective Long-Term

Therapy often outperforms medication when it comes to preventing relapse. That’s because therapy builds real-life skills—resilience, coping tools, and inner stability—that don’t wear off.

If you're coming off antidepressants and suddenly feel worse, it might not be your depression returning—it could be a withdrawal effect. You have the right to know this. Whether you’re considering medication, looking to taper off, or managing depression holistically, I’m here to support your healing journey.

References

• Starfield, B. (2000). Is US Health Really the Best in the World? Journal of the American Medical Association.

• Antonuccio, D.O., Danton, W.G., & DeNelsky, G.Y. (1995). Psychotherapy versus medication for depression. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 26(6), 574–585.

• Ruhé, H.G., Mason, N.S., & Schene, A.H. (2007). Mood is indirectly related to serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels: A meta-analysis. Molecular Psychiatry, 12(4), 331–359.

• Kirsch, I. (2009). The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth.

• Kroenke, K. et al. (2001). Similar effectiveness of paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline in primary care. JAMA.

• Nierenberg, A.A., Petersen, T.J., & Alpert, J.E. (2003). Prevention of relapse and recurrence in depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 64 Suppl 15, 13–17.