7 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Antidepressants

"Antidepressants don't work." "They'll change your personality." "You'll become addicted." At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we hear these concerns from patients regularly. While antidepressants are commonly prescribed, myths about their benefits and risks persist. Let's separate fact from fiction so you can make informed decisions about your mental health treatment.

Understanding Antidepressants

Medication can be a valuable part of a treatment plan to help you feel better and manage symptoms of depression. There's absolutely no shame in taking medication. Just like using insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension, antidepressants play an important role in treating depression.

Medications commonly prescribed as first-line treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Common examples include Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Many antidepressants work by boosting levels of neurotransmitters available to your brain cells, particularly those associated with mood, anxiety, and cognitive function. Several neurotransmitters play a role in depression, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Myth #1: Antidepressants Are Addictive

Fact: Antidepressants are not physiologically or psychologically addictive, but they can cause discontinuation syndrome if stopped abruptly.

Discontinuation syndrome can occur when you suddenly stop certain antidepressants—particularly SSRIs and SNRIs. Symptoms may include feelings of vertigo, trouble sleeping, tingling sensations, and increased anxiety. This is why you should always consult your psychiatrist before stopping an antidepressant. Discontinuation syndrome can be avoided by carefully tapering off the medication under medical supervision.

Myth #2: Antidepressants Don't Work

Fact: Antidepressants are effective at relieving depression symptoms about 40-60% of the time, and they work best combined with other treatment approaches.

Common reasons people feel antidepressants didn't work for them include:

• Stopping after only a couple of weeks (it can take 4-6 weeks to feel effects)
• Not allowing time for dose adjustments or medication changes
• Being prescribed a medication that wasn't the right fit
• Stopping medication as soon as improvement was felt

At Next Step Psychiatry, we use a comprehensive approach that combines self-care strategies, therapy when appropriate, and medication management. We also practice measurement-based care, consistently tracking your progress to make informed treatment decisions.

Myth #3: Antidepressants Will Change My Personality

Fact: We don't have medications that change people's personalities.

Some people worry that affecting their brain chemistry could make them "artificially" happy or change who they are. Antidepressants are not "happy pills." They help reduce symptoms that are weighing you down. When they work effectively, antidepressants return you to your previous level of functioning before depression—they don't transform you into a different person.

Myth #4: Antidepressants Have Awful, Long-Lasting Side Effects

Fact: While side effects can occur, they're often temporary and manageable.

Many side effects are most noticeable when starting medication and often diminish within the first few weeks. Common initial side effects may include nausea, headache, or changes in sleep patterns. Your psychiatrist can help you manage side effects and find the right medication with a side effect profile that works for your lifestyle.

Myth #5: Antidepressants Are a Sign of Weakness

Fact: Taking medication for a medical condition is a sign of self-care, not weakness.

Depression involves real changes in brain chemistry and function. Seeking treatment—whether through medication, therapy, or both—demonstrates strength and commitment to your well-being.

Myth #6: You'll Need Antidepressants Forever

Fact: Treatment duration varies by individual.

Some people may need medication for a specific period and then successfully taper off. Others may benefit from longer-term treatment. There's evidence that antidepressants may contribute to the formation of new brain cells and help restore normal brain structure and function, potentially allowing individuals to eventually discontinue medication and maintain their mental health.

Myth #7: All Antidepressants Are the Same

Fact: Different antidepressants work in different ways and may be better suited for different individuals.

This is why working with a board-certified psychiatrist matters. We take time to understand your specific symptoms, health history, and concerns to find the medication that's most likely to help you with the fewest side effects.

Get Expert Psychiatric Care in Lilburn, Georgia

If you're considering antidepressants or have questions about your current medication, the psychiatric team at Next Step Psychiatry is here to help. We provide personalized medication management and take time to address all your questions and concerns.