Low levels of vitamin D are common and there is growing evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to depression. Vitamin D modulates immune responses to infection, including reducing inflammatory markers that are associated with depression. People with vitamin D deficiency had an 85 percent increased risk of depression. Vitamin D deficiency has long been associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Adequate levels of vitamin D are also important for good mental health. A good doctor will order blood work to see if a patient is low on vitamin D before sending him off with a prescription for Prozac. Antidepressants SSRIs are anti-inflammatory, which would explain their mechanism of action if inflammation is a primary driver of depression.
Antidepressants can sometimes cause a wide range of unpleasant side effects, including:
- nausea
- increased appetite and weight gain
- fatigue and drowsiness
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- constipation
- dizziness
- agitation
- irritability
- anxiety
