Question 1

can antidepressants make you commit suicide?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: Several antidepressants have blackbox warning that they increase suicidality, practically within the first few weeks of starting the drug. Call your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal feelings...

Question 2

how is it that antidepressants increase the risk of suicide?

Accepted Answer

WRONG IDEA: I do not believe they do. In general, if you reduce the intensity of depression hope is restored and the risk of suicide diminishes.

Question 3

why do they say  antidepressants can  cause suicide ? i would think it would be the opposite

Accepted Answer

It depends.: Talk show hosts say it because it's controversial. 
Lawyers say it to get clients.
But there is a very slight amount of truth to the statement.  A very small number of patients have developed suicidality after their antidepressants have initially helped significantly.  That is one reason we insist on follow-up visits. For every one patient with suicidal thoughts, there are thousands who are saved.

Question 4

i'm afraid to take antidepressant for fear i might commit suicide?

Accepted Answer

Don't: Though it is possible that antidepressants induce suicidal thoughts, they are used to treat depression which is an illness characterized by thoughts of worthlessness, guilt, and death. It is much more likely that an antidepressant will reverse suicidal thoughts by treating the depression. Even if you have suicidal thoughts, you are still in control of your actions.  See a psychiatrist.

Question 5

why do doctors ask if you have suicide thoughts before prescribing an antidepressant?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation: That question is part of  a psychiatric evaluation of depression. Before prescribing an antidepressant, a doctor needs to know what symptoms you have, to decide if you need medication, and to track the effects of treatment.

Question 6

why do antidepressants cause side effects and even cause some people to commit suicide?

Accepted Answer

I don't know of any: Antidepressants that are placebos. I think that outside of medical research (with informed consent of participants)  that deliberate use  of a non-medicinal (stating that it is a medication) is probably considered unethical.

Question 7

i'm depressed and i tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of medication. when i see which medication i want to take, my family doesn't know about my condition and they don't care to know. i can't even take antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

: You need to see a psychiatrist urgently or you better admit yourself to a behavior health center.

Question 8

if all antidepressants increase the risk of suicide in people under 25, then is it safe for teens to take them?

Accepted Answer

USUALLY: A few years ago british doctors concluded that antidepressants caused thoughts of suicide. Doctors in the U.S. Were frightened and very few anti- depressants were prescribed. As a result, the suicide rate went up after this because depression went untreated.

Question 9

what should i do? i have been on several antidepressants and seen several counselors, yet i still want to kill myself, and attempt suicide a lot.

Accepted Answer

This is serious: Ongoing thoughts about doing harm to oneself is a very serious matter and probably indicates severe depression. If you have a psychiatrist, contact that physician; otherwise, let your primary care physician know. You need to be in a safe environment where you will be protected from doing harm to yourself. You may also require medications or other treatments to help you get better.

Question 10

i used to be on an antidepressant 6 years ago. i couldnt cope anymore with my life. ive been off antidepressants the last 4 years i think as my gp suggest i find a way to live without them. im at a stage today where all i think about is suicide?

Accepted Answer

Major Depression: Your Life is Precious!
Being off antidepressants for 4 years is your Strength to cope with stresses 
“all I think about is suicide” indicates Depression due to stresses 
At age 41, let Wise Man in you ask for stresses of:
•Relationships/ Marriage
•Separation/Divorce
•Parenting/Child Custody
•Loneliness
•Finances
•Work
Please see a Psychiatrist immediately or go to ER for Diagnosis and Treatment.

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Doctor answers about:

Antidepressants and suicide

A member asked:

Can antidepressants make you commit suicide?

A member asked:

How is it that antidepressants increase the risk of suicide?

A member asked:

Why do they say antidepressants can cause suicide ? i would think it would be the opposite

A member asked:

I'm afraid to take antidepressant for fear i might commit suicide?

A member asked:

Why do doctors ask if you have suicide thoughts before prescribing an antidepressant?

A member asked:

Why do antidepressants cause side effects and even cause some people to commit suicide?

A member asked:

I'm depressed and i tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of medication. when i see which medication i want to take, my family doesn't know about my condition and they don't care to know. i can't even take antidepressant medication?

A member asked:

If all antidepressants increase the risk of suicide in people under 25, then is it safe for teens to take them?

A member asked:

What should i do? i have been on several antidepressants and seen several counselors, yet i still want to kill myself, and attempt suicide a lot.

A member asked:

I used to be on an antidepressant 6 years ago. i couldnt cope anymore with my life. ive been off antidepressants the last 4 years i think as my gp suggest i find a way to live without them. im at a stage today where all i think about is suicide?

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