I take antidepressants. Should I tell the dentist?
an-ti-de-pres-SI-vi — six syllables, stress on fifth. 'Antidepressivi' = antidepressants.
Yes — always tell the dentist, surgeon, and any prescribing doctor about antidepressants. Important for drug interactions and anaesthesia.
'Antidepressivi' = antidepressants. Types: SSRI (fluoxetina, sertralina, paroxetina, escitalopram), SNRI (venlafaxina, duloxetina), TCA (amitriptilina). Important interactions: adrenaline in dental anaesthetics, NSAIDs (increased bleeding with SSRIs), some anaesthetics. Sexual side effects, dry mouth ('bocca secca'), and teeth grinding ('bruxismo') are common side effects to mention to a dentist.
Prendo la sertralina da sei mesi. Ha effetti sulla bocca secca.
I have been taking sertraline for six months. It has dry mouth as an effect.
Sertraline — common SSRI. Dry mouth increases cavity risk — tell the dentist
Sto scalando l'antidepressivo. Non posso smettere bruscamente.
I am tapering off the antidepressant. I cannot stop it suddenly.
Antidepressant discontinuation must be gradual — never stop abruptly
Posso bere alcol con gli antidepressivi?
Can I drink alcohol with antidepressants?
Generally not recommended — alcohol worsens depression and interacts with most antidepressants
Italy has seen significant growth in antidepressant prescriptions over the past decade — now among the highest in Europe. SSRIs are first-line treatment for depression and anxiety in Italian psychiatric guidelines. Despite this, mental health stigma ('stigma della salute mentale') remains significant in Italy, particularly in older generations and southern regions. The 'Telefono Amico' and 'Telefono Azzurro' helplines provide non-stigmatised mental health support.