Everyone knows that “all medicine is three parts poison,” and antidepressants are no exception.
In addition to the potential side effects such as weight gain, constipation, and drowsiness mentioned in previous articles about antidepressants, we have recently received new messages:
Which antidepressants can lead to liver damage?
How can we minimize this damage?
Don’t panic, read on~
01
The liver is an important organ in drug metabolism in the human body; almost all drugs must go through metabolism and conversion in the liver to take effect.
Given this, we must acknowledge that drugs metabolized by the liver will, to some extent, have an impact on liver function!
However, the impact of commonly used antidepressants on the liver is not to the extent of “dreaded”!
02
Among the commonly used antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram, show relatively low risks of liver damage. These medications are considered safe options for treating depression and related symptoms.
Other antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, duloxetine, agomelatine, and chlorpromazine, increase the risk of drug-induced liver damage. When this occurs, the most common symptoms for patients are nausea, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
Therefore, both doctors and patients need to pay special attention to these potential side effects when using these medications, while also monitoring liver function appropriately to ensure timely detection and management of any issues.
PS: For reference only; due to individual differences, medication should follow medical advice.
03
We need not worry excessively about the impact on liver function. When selecting medications, doctors will comprehensively consider the drug characteristics and the individual circumstances of the patient, fully weighing the benefit/risk ratio to minimize any impact, so we need not be overly anxious and resist taking medication.
For patients with mild symptoms, who find it inconvenient or are unwilling to use drugs, psychotherapy can be adopted under the guidance of a physician.
Choose new antidepressants that have low liver toxicity.
Start with low doses and gradually increase, closely monitoring changes in the condition and tolerance during increased dosage.
Regularly check liver function before and after taking medication. Monitoring transaminases is the most useful tool for detecting drug-induced liver damage.
During the medication period, closely observe for any discomfort in the liver area, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, skin itching, etc. If any discomfort is detected, feedback to the doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
For patients who are long-term users of antipsychotic medications, metabolic risks should be thoroughly evaluated. If problems arise, timely intervention should be taken to reduce the risk of drug-induced liver damage.
If severe damage occurs, stop the medication according to medical advice and use liver-protecting medications if necessary.
04
In daily life, we should also pay attention to these points:
Communicate fully with your primary physician regarding your condition and past medications during consultations, so the doctor can have a complete understanding of your medical history and thus choose the most suitable type and dosage of medication for you.
Before using drugs, follow medical advice to undergo liver function tests and check liver function regularly to promptly identify any abnormal indicators, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage.
For patients with poor liver function, liver-protecting medications may be taken under the guidance of a physician.
Avoid drinking alcohol during the medication period, maintain regular routines, and follow a light diet.
If other discomforts arise, it is not recommended to self-medicate without knowing drug interactions; it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist or visit a hospital.
Children and the elderly are more likely to experience liver damage under the same conditions and should be particularly cautious.
Carefully read the medication instructions before taking them, especially regarding indications, side effects, contraindications, and other relevant information, to be well-informed.
Do you have any other questions during the medication process? You can leave a message or seek help directly from experts.
