Dangers of self-medication with psychotropic drugs: adverse effects and dependence

Self-medication with psychotropic drugs poses a serious risk to people's mental and physical health, especially when it comes to disorders such as depression.

Although in some cases alternative substances or treatments such as magnesium, omega-3, or certain vitamin complexes have become popular, there is insufficient evidence for these to be considered first-line treatments, let alone a substitute for structured medical intervention.

Added to this is the inappropriate use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, or hypnotics without professional supervision, which can have harmful consequences on multiple levels.

Use without a precise clinical diagnosis

One of the main risks of self-medication is starting treatment without a proper diagnostic evaluation. In the case of depressive disorders, a thorough clinical assessment is required to differentiate between an adaptive reaction, a mild, moderate, or severe depressive disorder, or even resistant depression.

Self-medicating without this clarity can lead to the use of inappropriate medications or continued treatment in the absence of improvement, without understanding whether there is a different underlying diagnosis (such as bipolar disorder or an undetected medical comorbidity).

Side effects and physical risks

Psychotropic drugs, even at low doses, can cause adverse effects. Among the most common are weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sedation, and metabolic changes (dyslipidemia, glucose disturbances, metabolic syndrome).

Self-medication prevents adequate monitoring of these effects. For example, antipsychotics such as olanzapine, sometimes used as enhancers in severe depression, are associated with significant weight gain and metabolic risks, which must be monitored by the treating professional.

Dependence and tolerance

Certain medications such as benzodiazepines (clonazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam) or Z-type hypnotics (zolpidem, zopiclone) are commonly used without a prescription or with prolonged prescription without adequate supervision.

These drugs have a high risk of causing tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. In the long term, they can also affect memory, concentration, and mood.

Ineffectiveness due to misuse or early discontinuation

In many cases, people who self-medicate discontinue treatment before the time necessary to achieve a therapeuti