Rethinking Depression & Anxiety with Lithium Orotate
Rethinking Depression & Anxiety with Lithium Orotate
11/18/2024
By Dr. C.M. Curtis
While antidepressants can be life-changing for many individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, they come with a number of potential drawbacks that patients and healthcare providers should carefully consider.
Some of the common side effects of prescription antidepressants:
NauseaÂ
Dizziness
Weight gainÂ
Sexual dysfunction
Sleep disturbancesÂ
Delayed Efficacy. Antidepressants typically take 4-8 weeks to show significant mood improvement. This delay can frustrate patients seeking immediate relief and may discourage some from continuing treatment.
Risk of Suicidal Thoughts: Paradoxically, some antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults under 25.
Discontinuation Syndrome. Abruptly stopping antidepressant medication can lead to discontinuation syndrome, causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. This makes it very difficult for patients to stop taking their antidepressants, even when they feel ready.Â
Potential for Overdose. Some classes of antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants, carry a higher risk of toxicity in overdose.Â
Interactions with Other Medications. Antidepressants can interact with various other drugs, potentially leading to serious complications.
Long-term Use Concerns. Some concerns exist about the potential long-term effects of antidepressants on brain chemistry and overall health. These are not yet fully understood.
Alternatives to Prescription Antidepressants
There are natural substances that have been shown scientifically to be beneficial in cases of anxiety and depression. The problem is that far too few health professionals consider alternative treatment options. In most cases, they are unaware of the many different natural options available, and may not even be interested in learning about them.
I have written about natural alternatives in other articles. This article will focus on lithium orotate, one of them.Â