September 18th, 2025
Antidepressants are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for depression and other mental health conditions, yet they are often surrounded by confusion and misinformation. From worries about dependency to myths about personality changes, many people hesitate to consider antidepressants because of what they’ve heard—not what’s actually true.
These misconceptions can create unnecessary fear and stigma, preventing individuals from seeking effective mental health treatment. Let’s break down some of the most common myths about antidepressants and provide clear, evidence-based information to help you better understand how these antidepressant medications really work.
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed medications utilized to treat various mental health conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and others. There are various types of antidepressants, which help to address certain symptoms a patient may experience. Antidepressant medications help lessen symptoms of sadness and low mood, and can even help improve cognition and focus.
Despite these medications being prescribed every single day and millions of people taking them as a form of treating depression, there remain common myths and misconceptions that this article will attempt to debunk.
Antidepressants help balance certain brain chemicals (like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that affect mood and emotions. By restoring these chemical levels, they can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related mental health conditions, improving mood, sleep, and overall daily functioning.
Many people wonder “do antidepressants change your personality?” and the short answer is no.
Common antidepressants, like SSRIs, work by increasing levels of serotonin. Serotonin is often referred to as “the happy hormone.” Medications that regulate levels of serotonin in the brain often help to improve mood, lessen anxiety, and help individuals find pleasure in the activities that they once enjoyed. Simply put, antidepressants improve a person’s quality of life.
Psychiatrists, PA-Cs, and NPs are well-versed in the use of antidepressants and work with patients to determine the most effective dose to treat their symptoms. While it may be true that too much serotonin can lead to blunting of emotions, speaking with a mental health provider about changes in your symptoms can help determine if you require an increase, or a decrease, in the dose of your antidepressant medication.
At the right dose, antidepressants don’t alter who you are — they help lift the weight of depression so your true self can come through. For example, you may find it easier to laugh with friends, stay calm in stressful moments, or enjoy hobbies you used to love. These changes aren’t a new personality; they’re signs that the medication is reducing symptoms and allowing you to feel more like yourself.
Do antidepressants cause weight gain? Not really, antidepressants themselves do not cause weight gain. Clinical research has indicated that a patient who takes an SSRI medication to address depression is unlikely to gain more than five pounds throughout treatment.
It is thought that this minimal increase in weight is caused by the remission of depressive symptoms, which often results in a patient’s appetite returning to a more “normal” baseline.
In other words, when someone is struggling with depression or anxiety, their appetite is often reduced. Once they start feeling better, their appetite typically returns to normal. This can lead to small weight gain, since the patient was likely under eating before due to mental health problems. The weight gain is not directly caused by the medications, rather it is a change in behavior.
Example: A person struggling with anxiety may eat very little because of their anxiety symptoms. After starting antidepressants, the anxiety eases, and they’re able to eat a normal, healthy amount again. This return to regular eating can sometimes result in a small amount of weight gain, but it reflects improved well-being rather than a direct effect of the medication.
Antidepressant medications, particularly SSRIs, have been shown to improve conditions like Body Dysmorphic Disorder (body dysmorphia) and help regulate and alleviate symptoms associated with disordered eating, such as Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia.
For individuals with mental health conditions, weight and body image can be a large stressor for their overall wellbeing. A stigma associated with antidepressant use is that these medications will cause significant weight gain. This happens to be another myth for most commonly used antidepressants.
Do antidepressants lower libido? Yes, there is a possibility that antidepressants can lower libido. Sexual side effects have been linked to antidepressant use, however, the evidence behind this is unclear and there is no certainty that a patient will experience these potential side effects.
SSRI medications are probably the most commonly known antidepressant to cause sexual dysfunction throughout treatment. However, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, impotence, or the inability to get or maintain an erection, have been seen as symptoms of depression. For some patients, starting an antidepressant actually improves their sexual dysfunction.
Again, it is important to discuss any potential side effects or reactions to prescription medication with your psychiatrist or provider (PA-C or NP). Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved antidepressant medication that actually has clinical indications to improve a patient’s sexual side effects associated with SSRI use.
If you are an individual who has experienced sexual side effects with antidepressant use and to determine if Wellbutrin is a good fit for you, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
Pregnancy can be an exciting, yet overwhelming, experience. Patients who can get pregnant may be concerned about the potential effects of an antidepressant on their unborn child or the process of pregnancy altogether. A common misconception about antidepressants is that they are harmful to take while pregnant.
Can antidepressants be taken during pregnancy? Most often the benefits of taking antidepressants while pregnant outweighs the risks. Many clinical trials and scientific articles have studied antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, used during pregnancy and have found that most often the benefit outweighs the risk.
It is important to discuss these potential risks with your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure antidepressant therapy during pregnancy is appropriate for you.
Most SSRI medications pose a low risk of harming the fetus, allowing an individual who is pregnant to continue addressing their symptoms of depression throughout and beyond their pregnancy. Another great quality of SSRIs is that they are safe to take while breastfeeding.
The final misconception that this article will debunk is that antidepressant medications pose a threat to an individual's physical health if taken for long periods.
Again, SSRI medications are the mainstay of treatment for depression. These medications are well studied and there is little scientific evidence to support that antidepressants have negative long-term health effects. Clinical trials have examined long-term effects on things such as bone density, bleeding risk, and much more. Results of these trials generally indicate that SSRI use poses no greater threat to an individual's physical health when compared to placebo.
A great way to ensure you are addressing physical health concerns is to have routine follow up with your primary care doctor or provider.
At our mental health clinic, we understand that depression looks different for everyone, which is why we create personalized depression treatment plans that may include both depression therapy and depression medication. Antidepressants can play a vital role in easing symptoms, helping you feel more balanced and able to engage in daily life.
Our team of experienced psychiatrists and therapists work closely with you to determine the right approach — whether that’s medication, therapy for depression, or a combination of both. With compassionate support and evidence-based care, Clarity Clinic is here to help you find lasting relief from depression and reclaim your quality of life.
Our clinics also offer cutting edge depression treatment options such as TMS for depression, IOP for depression, and PHP for depression. Whether you are looking for a psychiatrist near you to start treatment, or have not had success with previous treatments and are looking for a change, Clarity Clinic is here to help.
Find the best psychiatrist near you when you explore our clinic locations in the Loop, River North, Lakeview Broadway, Lakeview Belmont, Evanston, and Arlington Heights.
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How long does it take for antidepressants to work?
Most take 4–8 weeks to show full effect, though some improvement may be felt sooner.
How to get antidepressants?
They must be prescribed by a licensed doctor such as a psychiatrist after an evaluation. Book a consultation with one of our psychiatrists or PA-Cs for an evaluation, they will work with you to create the best treatment plan for you.
Is Lexapro an antidepressant?
Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant.
Is Zoloft an SSRI antidepressant?
Yes, Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI antidepressant.
Why do antidepressants cause weight gain?
Often it’s not the medication itself — appetite returns to normal as mood improves, which can lead to small weight gain.
Can you drink on antidepressants?
Alcohol is not recommended; it can worsen side effects and reduce effectiveness. Talk to your doctor or provider if you are taking antidepressants and considering drinking.
Do I need antidepressants?
That depends on your symptoms and history — only a qualified doctor or healthcare provider can decide if they’re right for you.
Does emotional blunting from antidepressants go away?
Yes, it often improves with dose adjustment, switching medications, or time. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you feel emotional blunting is not going away.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
Written By: Mitchell Forbes, PA-C
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