I am taking antidepressants since 16 years and diagnosed as depression. I need to know that what are long term side effects of these medications. Now I taking veniz xr 75 mg. 37.5 mg, changed recently to cymbalta 90 mg. Since the beginning onwards doctors prescribed venlafaxine, amixide,fluoxetine, olanzapine,and so on. Peoples having depression commonly refused to take anti depressants due to its side effects but some places in india also in kerala psychiatrist prescribe these anti depressants despite their side effects. I made no enquire about side effects. Doctor told no side effects. What is its reality.in developed countries doctors prescribe these medications only in severe stages that not above for 2 years duration.

Dr. Saranya DevanathanPsychiatrist47yrs exp

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Dear lybrate-user, Few diagnosis like bipolar depression and dysthymia need many years of antidepressant treatment. Not only in Kerala, but all over the world, psychiatrist prescribe long term antidepressants when indicated. "People having depression commonly refuse to take antidepressant. You can also refuse, if you don't want to improve your quality of life. If you want your depression to worsen your life, you can even refuse to go to psychiatrist. The way the drugs are prescribed to you, indicates that the doctors are still struggling to find an ideal dose and combination of drugs. All drugs have immediate and long term side effect apart from beneficial effects. All are tested and given to doctors while releasing them in the market. All the side effects reported, you need not get it. They are never serious nor life threatening.  

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