A change in mood after starting or changing a medication can be more than rough days — it can signal rising suicide risk. Antidepressants and other drugs sometimes trigger new or worse suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment. That doesn’t mean everyone will be affected, but knowing what to watch for can save a life.
Look for clear warning signs: talking about wanting to die, giving away belongings, feeling hopeless, sudden calm after deep sadness, intense agitation, or reckless behavior. Also notice new sleep trouble, eating changes, or withdrawing from friends and family. If someone mentions suicide or shows several of these signs at once, act now.
Some antidepressants carry a higher risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in people under 25 during the first weeks of treatment. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is covered in our Wellbutrin guide — it works differently than SSRIs but still needs close monitoring. If you’re switching meds or starting one, schedule frequent check-ins with your prescriber for the first month. Don’t stop a prescribed drug suddenly — that can make things worse. If you buy meds online, use trusted pharmacies only; our articles on safe online pharmacies (like pharmacy2home.com and rxreal.com reviews) show what to look for to avoid fake medicines that could cause harm.
Alcohol and some substances can make suicidal thoughts worse or interact with meds. For example, heavy drinking changes mood and judgment and can undo the benefits of therapy or medication. If you or a loved one uses alcohol to cope, tell the prescriber — there are safer treatment plans.
If there’s an immediate danger, call your local emergency number right away. In the U.S., dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If someone is at risk but not in immediate danger, remove access to means (weapons, large amounts of medication), stay with them, and get professional help fast. Contact the prescribing doctor, a mental health professional, or a trusted local service. If you’re unsure where to start, a pharmacist can help with medicine questions and point you to urgent resources.
Keep a simple safety plan: list warning signs, contacts who help calm you, ways to make your space safer, and professional numbers. Track mood changes and side effects in a notebook or phone app and share them during follow-ups. Ask a friend or family member to check in daily during the first weeks after a med change.
Want more reading? Our Wellbutrin guide explains side effects and what to expect. If you’re getting prescriptions online, see our safe-buy guides to avoid dodgy sources. If any of this feels overwhelming, reach out now — small, early steps protect lives and keep treatment on track.
In a striking revelation, a West Yorkshire coroner has highlighted a potential lethal side effect of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, linking it to suicidal behavior. This warning follows the tragic death of Dr. Robert Stevenson, who was prescribed the drug prior to his suicide. The incident has called for a reevaluation of the current medical guidelines surrounding the antibiotic's use.