Do Anxiety and Depression Medications Increase the Risk of Suicide?
- Gary Moller
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Introduction
I was recently sent this article: We Miss You…Son, Brother, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, Friend
It deeply moved me, and it has motivated me to write about a matter I have been considering for some months. So here it is.
The short version is yes: medicines like amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) and common drugs prescribed for anxiety can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, particularly when starting out, adjusting the dose, or when taken in combination. That doesn't mean they're "bad" drugs across the board — but it does mean we need to treat them with caution and respect.
Why Risk Exists
Energy before mood improves — Antidepressants often restore energy before they lift mood. That means a person who feels hopeless might suddenly have enough drive to act on dark thoughts before the medicine has had time to improve outlook.Brain chemistry shifts — These drugs alter neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline. In sensitive people, especially the young, the adjustment period can be rocky.
Disinhibition — Some anti-anxiety drugs, particularly benzodiazepines, may reduce inhibitions. This can lower the natural "braking system" on dangerous impulses.
Who Is Most At Risk
• Young people under 25 – the black-box warning on these medicines highlights this group.
• Anyone with a history of suicidal thinking or self-harm.
• Those going through major stress or trauma.
• People on multiple psychoactive medications.
What the Guidelines Say — and the Reality
Health authorities worldwide agree: the first few weeks of treatment are the most dangerous. That's when monitoring should be most intense. Doctors are advised to check in regularly and family members are encouraged to watch for sudden changes in mood, behaviour, or sleep.
That's the theory. But, monitoring is often haphazard and inadequate. More often than not, it looks like this: "Take this as prescribed and we'll see how it goes." That simply isn't good enough when the stakes are so high.
Short-Term Rescue – Not a Long-Term Crutch
Very few drugs should be taken for more than a few weeks, or at most a few months. They can be useful to rescue a dire situation, to buy time while healthier, longer-term remedies are put in place. Unfortunately, drugs are too easy to use. A quick prescription often replaces the harder but more effective work of fixing the root causes.
Let me tell you a story. When I began working at Dunedin Public Hospital back in 1976, there was a "light therapy room." Patients were treated with light for conditions such as depression, acne, and more. I was intrigued and asked about it, only to be told: "We don't use it anymore. Since antidepressants, antibiotics, and steroids are so readily available, it's much easier to just write a prescription. Why have patients come in several times a week for an hour of therapy when we can give them a pill in a few minutes?"
That conversation stuck with me. Convenience triumphed over effective, natural approaches — and we've been paying the price ever since.
Not Just About Medication
I'm not telling people to stop their medication. What I am saying is: exercise caution, be informed, and if you have any concerns, speak with your doctor.
Medication, if used, should be part of a wider plan that looks for the root causes of anxiety, depression, pain, or insomnia. You may be surprised how often these problems can be linked to something as simple as a copper imbalance. Too much or too little copper in the body can affect mood, sleep, and energy.
Non-drug measures are powerful and should never be ignored:
• Healthy relationships — the quality of your relationships is medicine. A sense of purpose in life – especially goals higher than oneself.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – often available via referral from your GP.
• Lifestyle basics – nutrient-dense food, daily movement, rest, and meaningful challenge.
These are good starters, and they work in harmony with, or sometimes in place of medication.
Taking It to the Next Level
If you want to find out why you have symptoms, then think about doing a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA).
HTMA is one of the most effective ways I know to identify hidden nutritional and metabolic issues — including copper imbalance — that conventional tests often miss.From there, book a consultation with me. We can create a plan that fits your needs. It will find the root cause, help you feel better, and help you recover for a long time — naturally and sustainably.
My Take
I’ve always believed that our bodies have an extraordinary power to heal when given the right conditions – proper food, movement, rest, and meaningful connection. That said, there are times when medicines can play a role. But they must never be handed out without safeguards: close monitoring, honest discussion of side effects, and practical lifestyle support.
If you are taking amitriptyline, or anti-anxiety drugs, don't be afraid — but do be informed. Understand the risks, know the signs, and keep talking. Recovery is rarely a straight line. Like I often say: it's a tortoise, not a hare, process.
Medical disclaimer: I am not your prescribing doctor. This article is for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
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