Inappropriate use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants without medical supervision

The use of psychotropic drugs without medical supervision, especially benzodiazepines and antidepressants, is an increasingly common and alarming practice. Many patients, faced with symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or persistent sadness, resort to these medications without a clear diagnosis or adequate clinical follow-up.

This occurs not only because of the irregular availability of these drugs, but also because of the mistaken belief that their use is “safe” or “necessary” to cope with difficult times.

In the case of benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam or alprazolam), self-medication can quickly lead to dependence, tolerance, and even withdrawal syndrome.

Antidepressants, while not addictive in the same sense, do require specific dosing schedules, monitoring of side effects, and individualized adjustments.

Inadequate doses and insufficient treatment times

One of the most common mistakes made by those who self-medicate or receive poorly supervised treatment is to stop taking antidepressants before the recommended time or to use subtherapeutic doses. Many patients stop taking their medication when they feel “better,” without having achieved stable remission or completing the prescribed cycle.

This fragmented use interferes with the effectiveness of treatment and increases the risk of relapse. In other cases, treatment is started at too low a dose, without adequate escalation, which can give the false impression that the medication “does not work.”

This is particularly serious in moderate to severe depression, where the correct regimen can mean the difference between functional recovery and chronic suffering.

The risk of chronicity and refractory depression

Self-medication and misuse of antidepressants are directly related to the onset of refractory depression. This is defined as depression that does not respond to at least two adequate treatments in terms of dose, duration, and type of drug.

In many of these cases, patients have switched between multiple medications on their own or under inconsistent prescriptions, without adhering to the recommended regimen or rigorous supervision. This not only complicates the prognosis, but also drives up healthcare costs, reduces quality of life, and increases the risk of suicide.

The role of psychoeducation and therapeutic adherence

The appropriate approach to depressive disorders should always include a strong psychoeducational component: explaining to the patient what to expect from treatment, its estimated duration, possible side effects, and the importance of not stopping it abruptly.

It should also be emphasized that, even with successful pharmacological treatments, psycho