That is a misconception, and one that prevents people from getting the help they need. You won’t be growing breasts & releasing milk from taking anti depressants, lol. Different anti depressants do different things in males and females. Some of the most common symptoms are weight gain & lower libido. These drugs affect can affect testosterone AND estrogen in positive or negative ways! There’s not enough conclusive medical literature to say a certain drug is “bad”. However, like every other drug, it’s about finding one that works the best for you! Again, symptoms are reversible if you stop taking it. I am a female with a stutter and was on anti depressants for 2 years & I have a degree in biology. I know many males and females that are on these medications too. Anxiety/depression isn’t uncommon at all, (especially with us stutterers) and only requires a talk with your own doctor, so you don’t have to rely on your friend for these medications. These drugs helped me a lot, so I’m not surprised they are helping you, but it’s a case-by-case basis. My stutter is very anxiety-related, so I think that’s why medication helped me. But, don’t let this misconception scare you into not using antidepressants when you need them.