Depression Medicine Side Effects: If you are taking depression medicine, then first understand its disadvantages. In a recent study, it has been said to be more dangerous than heroin.   

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently made a controversial statement in which he claimed that for some people quitting depression medication can be more difficult than quitting heroin. 

This statement came when he mentioned selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, which are used a lot by today's generation. People who take these drugs often face a syndrome called "SSRI withdrawal syndrome", which includes symptoms like dizziness, headache, fatigue and nausea. In such a situation, the question arises whether getting rid of anti-depressants can really be more difficult than heroin?

These symptoms are seen due to not taking medicine

Some people experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking SSRI drugs. This syndrome usually occurs when a person suddenly stops taking these drugs. SSRI drugs include drugs like paroxetine and fluvoxamine, which cause this syndrome in about seven percent of people. Long-acting drugs, such as sertraline and fluoxetine, cause this syndrome in only two percent of people. However, when people quit these drugs suddenly, up to 40 percent may experience this syndrome. 

Cause of the syndrome

This syndrome is caused by a sudden decrease of serotonin in the body, causing the person to experience both mental and physical discomfort.

What happens when you quit heroin?

Getting rid of heroin addiction is also a very difficult task. Heroin activates mu opioid receptors in the body, which reduces pain and makes the person addicted. When a person stops consuming heroin, he faces symptoms like addiction, tension, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. These symptoms usually last from a few days to weeks, while mental symptoms such as tension and irritability persist for a long time. To quit heroin, drugs like methadone or buprenorphine are often used, which activate opioid receptors, but their half-life is long, which gives relief to the person.

Difference between depression medication and heroin

Several studies have shown that heroin withdrawal experiences can be more common and severe. However, getting off depression medications can also be very difficult. But, as experts point out, there is a difference between the two situations. The symptoms of stopping depression medications are mild in some cases and get better with time. On the other hand, the symptoms of heroin withdrawal are more complex and can last for a long period.