Live Chat: Top 8 Doctors Discuss Antidepressants, Anxiety And Stigma

Antidepressants are no longer medicines spoken about only inside psychiatric clinics. Today, they are being prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks, sleep issues, chronic stress and even conditions like PCOS - but the conversation around them remains full of confusion and even misinformation. Adding to this confusion is the stigma that surrounds psychiatric medication. While some fear dependency, others worry about the side effects it can lead to. People also worry seek help altogether because of what friends, family or social media might say. To separate myths from facts, we spoke to eight doctors about the most commonly asked question around antidepressants - from safety and side effects to stigma, self-medication and who these drugs are actually

meant for. Here are all the answers to your most asked questions regarding antidepressants that we got from experts across leading hospitals.

• Dr. Sameer Malhotra, Principal Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Scienes, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
• Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist and IVF expert, Nurture IVF Clinic
• Dr. (Prof.) Rajiv Mehta, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
• Dr. Samant Darshi, Consultant - Psychiatry, Yatharth Hospital, Omega 1, Greater Noida
• Dr. Trideep Choudhury, Consultant Psychiatrist, Adayu, A Fortis Network Hospital
• Dr. Manisha Kulkarni, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory, Pune
• Dr. Sujit Ash, Consultant Obstetrics And Gynaecology, P.D. Hinduja Hospital And MRC centre, Khar
• Dr. Prathima A, Consultant Obstetrics, Gynaecology And Urogynaecology, Motherhood Hospitals, Bangalore

Why was I prescribed antidepressants for PCOS, aren't these meant only for depression?Being prescribed antidepressants for PCOS can feel surprising, but doctors say PCOS affects far more than just hormones. "PCOS impacts brain chemistry, stress response, sleep, appetite control and emotional well-being," explains Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj. Hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to anxiety, mood swings, emotional eating or sleep disturbances in many women.In such cases, antidepressants may help regulate anxiety, stress hormones and sleep patterns, which can also improve PCOS symptoms. Dr. Samant Darshi adds that medicines like SSRIs are often prescribed not just for depression, but also for anxiety and psychoneuroendocrinological conditions like PCOS. Experts say these drugs are often one part of a larger treatment plan involving lifestyle and hormonal management.If I take antidepressants for anxiety, how do I know they are actually helping and not making things worse? Antidepressants that have been prescribed for anxiety usually take a few weeks to show noticeable improvement. As per Dr. Pathima A, signs that the medication is helping include reduced worry, better sleep, improved mood and an easier ability to function in daily life. However, if symptoms start worsening, such as if you experience increased anxiety, insomnia, headaches, emotional numbness or restlessness, it is important to speak to a doctor.She stresses that people should never stop or alter doses on their own. Dr. Sujit Ash cautions that while some antidepressants can indirectly affect appetite, weight, stress hormones or even menstrual patterns in some cases, most modern medications are considered relatively safe. Treatment, experts say, is always personalised based on an individual’s mental and physical health needs.Can antidepressants affect my hormones or periods if I have PCOS?As per doctors, most antidepressants do not directly affect hormones or worsen PCOS. "Most antidepressant medications have no direct effect on hormone levels; however, they may improve the regularity of menstrual cycles indirectly by reducing stress," explains Dr. Manisha.To this, Dr. Prathima adds that while some women may experience weight fluctuations or changes in their menstrual cycle when taking antidepressants, these are often linked more closely to PCOS itself or lifestyle factors. Since PCOS already affects hormones and periods, it can sometimes be difficult to separate the symptoms. In summer I heard antidepressants can have negative effects on my physical health, is it true? Yes, some antidepressants can make people a little more sensitive to extreme heat during summer. As per Dr. Sujit, certain medicines like SSRIs and TCAs may increase sweating, dehydration risk, fatigue and even heat sensitivity in some individuals. However, experts say that these side effects are usually manageable and do not mean the medication is unsafe.Doctors advise staying well hydrated, avoiding prolonged heat exposure and paying attention to how your body responds during hot weather. If symptoms feel severe or unusual, it is important to speak to your doctor rather than stopping the medication abruptly.My friend is using an antidepressant and it's helping her. Is it safe to take what she's taking? Experts strongly advise against taking someone else's antidepressants, even if the medicine seems to be helping them. As per them, mental health medications are prescribed based on an individual's symptoms, medical history and body response, which can vary. Dr. Sameer Malhotra explains that antidepressants work on specific brain receptors and chemicals, and while they are generally safe when prescribed correctly, some people may initially experience nausea, drowsiness or mild headaches. "These are usually self-limiting, but if they persist, patients should contact their care provider and not stop the medication on their own," he says. Dr. Trideep Choudhury also stresses that these medicines should only be taken under medical supervision and for the duration prescribed by a doctor.There's a viral tiny white pill that a lot of my colleagues carry. They take it when they feel low - clonazepam - is it a safe drug? Doctors say clonazepam is not a harmless "feel better" pill and should never be taken casually without medical supervision. "Clonazepam is a quick fix and not the eventual solution," says Dr. Rajiv Mehta, adding that the medicine is considered safe only when taken in the prescribed dose and under a doctor's guidance.Dr. Trideep warns that self-medication with clonazepam can lead to a lot of dependence over time. While the drug may create a temporary calming effect or slight "high," taking it randomly is strongly discouraged. Experts also caution against driving or operating machinery after taking clonazepam, as it can slow reflexes and cause drowsiness.There's a lot of fear and stigma around antidepressants. How would you like to address it? Doctors say that antidepressants should be viewed like any other prescribed medication used to treat a medical condition. "Clinical depression goes beyond simple low mood," explains Dr. Sameer, adding that antidepressants are evidence-based medicines used for conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD and other mental health disorders.He also says that these medication help in the restoration of chemical balance in the brain by supporting neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, ultimately improving quality of life. Experts stress that taking psychiatric medication is not a sign of weakness or failure. Instead, seeking mental health treatment should be seen as a sign of awareness, care and strength.Is there an age when such drugs are more commonly prescribed?Doctors say that antidepressants and other psychiatric medicines can be prescribed across all age groups - depending on a person's condition. "Mental health conditions are common across all ages," says Dr. Trideep. He also adds that these medications are used in children, adolescents, adults and even the elderly under proper medical supervision.