[Twitch99]

I'm starting a new med tonight. I just happened to notice the warning that it has a chance to raise suicidal thoughts and actions. It goes on to say a few other things and says to keep a close eye on the person taking the meds. Is this common among antidepressants? Don't tell me to talk to my doctor about this. I have learned the hard way to not talk about suicide. So my doctor does not know I'm suicidal nor does she know the extent of it.

[sarahsweets]

Hey @Twitch99: I found this info from a google search:

The documented efficacy and long-term benefit of antidepressants in patients with recurrent forms of severe anxiety or depressive disorders support their use in those individuals with these disorders, who experience suicidal thoughts or behavior. In general, it is assumed that antidepressants are beneficial for all symptoms of depression, including suicidality. However, some evidence suggests that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs] may cause worsening of suicidal ideas in vulnerable patients. Systematic reviews and pooled analysis of experimental, observational, and epidemiological studies have investigated the use of SSRIs and their association with suicidality. Taking account of the methodological limitations of these studies, the current evidence fails to provide a clear relationship between their use and risk of suicidality in adults. However, in children and adolescents, there appears to be a bit of increased risk of suicidal ideations and attempts, but not of completed suicides. This risk can be anticipated and managed clinically. Clinicians are, therefore, advised to maintain a close follow-up during the initial treatment periods and remain vigilant of this risk. This advisory, however, should not deter clinicians the use of effective dosages of antidepressants for a certain period of time.

Originally Posted by Twitch99

I'm starting a new med tonight. I just happened to notice the warning that it has a chance to raise suicidal thoughts and actions. It goes on to say a few other things and says to keep a close eye on the person taking the meds. Is this common among antidepressants? Don't tell me to talk to my doctor about this. I have learned the hard way to not talk about suicide. So my doctor does not know I'm suicidal nor does she know the extent of it.

[Paracelsus]

typically with SSRI is you can find anxious patients get worse and the worsening anxiety is associated with the increased suicidal risk. you will feel it in your body. you will be very uncomfortable. just head straight to the hospital. your physically fine, but your not mentally fine. you may need a benzo in that case until side effects go away.

[Twitch99]

@Paracelsus sadly benzos are not an option for me. Because of my job if that pops on a drug screen I'm done. It doesn't matter that I have a RX. Just gotta love the government.

[bpcyclist]

There may be other options that are not SSRIs that you may want to look into. Wellbutrin is one. If your depression sis severe, you may want to look into Emsam, too.