Antidepressants, commonly used to treat disorders such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, have a number of side effects that can complicate the discontinuation of their use. Phil Cowely, an American pharmacist with a broad presence on social media, has shared his concerns regarding three antidepressants that he considers particularly problematic. In his recent video, he highlights paroxetine as the strongest antidepressant and hardest to quit, given its complications in the treatment of withdrawal, including stomach upset and electric shocks in the brain when its use is abruptly interrupted.
The second drug on the list is duloxetine, which acts on neurotransmitters related to mood, but it can also cause serious side effects when stopping it, such as gastrointestinal distress and an inability to feel motivated. Finally, Cowely mentions venlafaxine, a medication that combines effects on serotonin and norepinephrine, and that has a rapid half-life that makes a safe change in dosing difficult, generating withdrawal symptoms that can persist for months. This information highlights the need to approach the use of antidepressants with caution and under medical supervision.
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