It has long been known that so called “recreational drugs” have exacerbated the risk of mental illness in those with a predisposition.
So obviously the best advice for people who suffer from anxiety and depression is to stay away from recreational drugs and over-indulgence in alcohol.
There is one more area in which you should be careful, and that is the area of prescription drugs and over the counter medications.
Unfortunately, it is naive to assume that the professional bodies that oversee the licensing of prescription drugs will be sufficiently meticulous to demand research into mental health side-effects is carried out.
Unfortunately, many people have found that all sorts of drugs have worsened, or even brought on, symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is particularly true of drugs which in anyway effect brain chemistry, weight, libido, or sleeping habits
This week the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to ban weight-loss pill “Rimonabant” over concerns regarding suicidal thoughts. This drug is, at present, still available in Europe but this is shortly to be reviewed. There seems to be an ongoing battle between the big-pharma companies and consumers and licensing bodies regarding the necessity to research mental health issues in terms of drug side effects.
What should you do if you get prescribed a new drug and you are worried?
My advice is to speak to the doctor prescribing the drug about your concerns. If you get any negative side effects at all, speak to the doctor (or another doctor if the prescribing doctor is not available) at once!
Also, spend some time on the Internet. Investigate how others have reacted to these drugs.
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A guide to drugs and medication for anxiety, depression, panic etc.
