Suicide: Signs, Medication Risks, and Where to Get Help

Hearing that suicidal thoughts can rise when starting or changing meds is unsettling, but knowing what to watch for can save a life. This page explains clear warning signs, how some medications affect risk, and what you can do right away if you or someone you care about is struggling.

Recognize the red flags

Warning signs often show up before a crisis. Watch for fast changes in behavior or mood, not just long-term sadness. Common red flags include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy.
• Sudden mood swings, increased agitation, or reckless behavior.
• Changes in sleep or appetite, or a sudden calm after a long low mood.
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways.

If these signs appear, take them seriously. Don’t assume they’ll pass on their own.

How medications can affect risk

Some psychiatric medications help most people, but they can cause increased suicidal thoughts in a minority—most often when treatment is first started or the dose is changed. Young people under 25 have a higher risk for treatment-linked spikes in suicidal thinking. That doesn’t mean the meds are always the problem—untreated depression and anxiety also raise risk—but it does mean monitoring matters.

If a new or changed prescription coincides with worse thoughts, call your prescriber immediately. Don’t stop a medication abruptly without medical advice—sudden stopping can make symptoms worse. Our site has plain-language posts on meds like Celexa, Paroxetine, Duloxetine, and Wellbutrin that explain side effects and safer switching strategies.

Practical steps you can take now: remove or secure anything that could be used to harm yourself, tell a trusted person what you’re feeling, and reach out for professional help. These small actions can buy time and keep you safe while you get support.

If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. If you’re able, contact your doctor or mental health provider and describe any new or worsening thoughts.

Need a crisis line? In the United States, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In the United Kingdom, Samaritans are at 116 123. If you’re elsewhere, contact local emergency services or search for your national crisis hotline online.

Want more reading? Check our articles on antidepressant side effects and alternatives (titles like “Celexa: Clear Answers” and “6 Alternatives to Paroxetine”) to learn how different drugs may affect mood and what to ask your prescriber.

Talking about these things isn’t weak—it’s one of the strongest moves you can make. If you’re worried now, call someone. If you need urgent help, use emergency services or a crisis line. You don’t have to handle this alone.