There is a danger that, in some people, antidepressant treatment will cause an increase, rather than a decrease, in depression and with it, an increased risk of suicide. While this is particularly true of children and young adults on antidepressant medication, anyone taking antidepressants should be closely watched for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The suicide risk is particularly great during the first month to two months of antidepressant treatment.
Monitoring is especially important if this is the person’s first time on depression medication or if the dose has recently been changed. Signs that medication is making things worse include anxiety, insomnia, hostility, and extreme agitation—particularly if the symptoms appear suddenly or rapidly deteriorate. If you spot the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, contact your doctor or therapist immediately.
Antidepressant warning signs
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- New or worse depression
- New or worse anxiety
- New or worse irritability
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Difficulty sleeping
- Aggression and anger
- Acting on dangerous impulses
- Extreme hyperactivity
- Other unusual changes in behavior
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