Over the past 20 years, antidepressant use has been increasing at a shocking rate across the USA and Canada, and studies have confirmed that between 8 to 10 percent of this population are taking them in one form or another.
One of the major reasons for this incline is that doctors are now prescribing antidepressants for ‘off-label’ use for many other symptoms and conditions other than depression. Recent studies carried out have shown that out of all prescriptions issued, 6% were for antidepressants, and only 55% of this amount were issued to treat depression. So, although the figures seem quite alarming, it is not a result of a sudden increase in people suffering from depression.
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Doctors using ‘off-label’ prescribing is not uncommon. The term ‘off-label’ basically means that that the drug that has been prescribed has not been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for that specific use. The FDA only regulate the approval of the drugs, not the prescription of them, so ‘off-label’ prescribing is perfectly legal.
Some other symptoms and conditions that doctors have prescribed anti-depressants for include anxiety disorders sleep disorders, pain, panic disorders, migraines and even menopause.
No one is to say that these antidepressant drugs do not work in treating the symptoms we are displaying, but it would be nice to see some more clarification around this area to ensure that everyone is aware exactly what they are taking and why!