Other FAQs
Are Antidepressants Addictive?
No, they aren’t addictive.
- We don’t crave or seek out antidepressants, the way we might if we had an addiction
- We can control our use of them
- Over time we don’t need to take more of our antidepressant to get the same effect
But our body does get used to taking them. It can sometimes be hard to stop. This means our body has to be weaned off slowly.
Can I Drink Alcohol When On An Antidepressant?
You may get drunk more easily and get bad hangovers if you drink alcohol whilst you’re on an antidepressant. You may feel more drowsy too. Drinking can also stop your antidepressant from working as well.
Don’t stop taking your antidepressant so you can have a drink.
Once your antidepressant is in your system, you can have one or two drinks now and again. Bear in mind you might feel more anxious or low the day after.
If your antidepressant is an MAOI - don’t drink alcohol or low alcohol drinks at all. Also avoid alcohol for 2 weeks after stopping your MAOI.
Will Taking An Antidepressant Affect My Sex Life?
Antidepressants can affect your interest in sex, your arousal and your ability to reach orgasm. If any of these are a problem, talk to your GP. Changing your dose or tablet, or the time you take it, may help.
What Happens If I’m Pregnant, Trying For A Baby Or Breast Feeding?
Like all medicines, antidepressants are probably best avoided if you are pregnant, especially in the first three months. But it depends how bad you feel. There is a balance between helping you and the possible effects to your unborn baby.
Trying For A Baby
If you are on an antidepressant but want to try for a baby, speak to your GP. It may be possible for you to switch to a type with less risk. If possible, it may be best to come off your antidepressant before becoming pregnant.
Pregnant
If you are on an antidepressant and have become pregnant, don’t just stop taking it. Speak to your GP or other health staff.
If you are pregnant and thinking about an antidepressant, you may wish to try other things first.
Breast Feeding
Medicines can pass to your baby through breast milk. But healthy babies older than a few weeks can break these down, so the risks are small. Some antidepressants are better than others for this.
What About St John’s Wort?
St John’s Wort, also called hypericum, is a herbal treatment that can help with milder depression. It interacts with many medicines. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking St John’s Wort. You can’t take antidepressants along with St John’s Wort, as it affects the way they work.
St John’s Wort reduces the effectiveness of contraceptive pill. It has yet to be proved safe in pregnancy and breast feeding.
It is difficult to say at the moment what type or dose of St John’s Wort is most helpful. The quantity of St John’s Wort varies between different tablet brands. The research isn’t clear. Another downside is that it isn’t free.
As symptoms of depression can sometimes be caused by physical illness it is good to speak to your GP or a pharmacist before taking St John’s Wort.
