# Antidepressants: Too Many or Progress?

> SSRIs prescribed for everyday stress in India may be overused, but access to affordable generics shows mental health progress.
- Title: Antidepressants: Too Many or Progress? · Financialexpress
- Summary: SSRIs prescribed for everyday stress in India may be overused, but access to affordable generics shows mental health progress. India's rising SSRI…
- Keywords: ssri, india, mental health, antidepressants, fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, nfl, psychiatry, generic drugs, treatment, anxiety
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/life/lifestyle/are-we-taking-too-many-antidepressants/4352944
- Author: Sreya Deb
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:10:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ssri, india, mental health, antidepressants, fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, nfl, psychiatry, generic drugs, treatment, anxiety
## SSRIs in India
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are among the most-prescribed psychiatric drugs in India.
## Prescription Trends
Doctors note a gradual increase in SSRI prescriptions over recent years due to better mental health awareness and access to care.
## Dr Monica Chib
Dr Monica Chib, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, says increased prescriptions reflect timely diagnosis and treatment.
## Dr Saurabh Mehrotra
Dr Saurabh Mehrotra, director at Medanta Gurugram, states SSRIs are first-line treatment for many mental health conditions globally and in India.
## Affordable Generics
Indian companies produce affordable generic antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram costing Rs 15-30 per month.
## SSRI Safety
SSRIs require two to six weeks to show full benefits and are generally safe when used with proper medical guidance.
## Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, headaches, sleep issues, and sexual dysfunction during initial treatment weeks.
## Overprescription Concerns
Doctors warn that some patients with mild anxiety receive SSRIs without proper diagnosis, especially post-pandemic.
## Suicide Risk Study
A 2023 American study found SSRIs increase suicide attempts threefold for those under 18 and up to twofold for ages 18-24.
## Diagnosis Standards
Doctors use WHO ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria to diagnose mental health conditions before prescribing SSRIs.
## Treatment Balance
For mild cases, psychotherapy is preferred; SSRIs are for moderate to severe symptoms or recurrent conditions.
## Conclusion
Increased prescriptions show mental health progress but require careful diagnosis to avoid overprescription for everyday stress.
## Key takeaway

India's rising SSRI prescriptions reflect better mental health awareness but risk overprescription for mild cases without proper diagnosis.