Antidepressants may cause modest, often temporary, side effects
(sometimes called adverse effects) in some people. Typically,
these antidepressant side effects are not serious. However,
any reactions or side effects of antidepressants that are unusual,
annoying, or that interfere with functioning should be reported
to the doctor immediately.
The newer drugs, including SSRIs, have different types
of antidepressant side effects:
* Agitation - if this happens for the first
time after the drug is taken and is more than temporary, the
doctor should be notified.
* Sexual problems - fairly usual, but reversible, in
both men and women. The doctor should be consulted if the problem
is persistent or disturbing.
* Nausea - it may take place after a dose,
but will go away quickly.
* Nervousness and insomnia - these may occur
during the first few weeks; dosage reductions or time will usually
resolve them.
* Headache - this will usually go away after
a short time.
Any of these side effects of antidepressants may be expanded
when an SSRI is combined with other medications that affect
serotonin. In the most extreme cases, such a combination of
medications (e.g., an SSRI and an MAOI) may result in a potentially
serious or even fatal "serotonin syndrome," characterized
by fever, confusion, muscle rigidity, and cardiac, liver, or
kidney problems.
The most common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants
(TCA):
* Increased heart rate - pulse rate is often
raised. Older patients should have an electrocardiogram before
beginning tricyclic treatment.
* Drowsiness as a daytime problem - usually
goes away soon. In this condition person shouldn't drive or
operate heavy equipment. The more sedating antidepressants are
generally taken at bedtime to help sleep and to minimize daytime
drowsiness.
* Blurred vision - usually temporary and will
not require new glasses.
* Sexual problems - sexual functioning may
be impaired;
* Dizziness - rising up slowly is helpful.
* Bladder problems - emptying the bladder completely
may be difficultl. Older men with enlarged prostate may be at
particular risk for this problem.
* Dry mouth - it's helpful to drink water,
chew sugarless gum and brush teeth.
MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) antidepressant
side effects:
The small number of people for whom MAOIs are the best treatment
need to avoid taking decongestants and eating certain foods
that contain high levels of tyramine (amino acid), such as chocolate,
cola drinks, ripe cheese, beer and pickles. The interaction
of tyramine with MAOIs can cause a sharp increase in blood pressure
that can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness. The doctor
should write a complete list of prohibited foods that the individual
should carry at all times. Other forms of antidepressants require
no food restrictions. MAOIs also should not be combined with
other antidepressants.
Click specific drug links below to learn more about
antidepressant side effects:
* Effexor
Side Effects
* Prozac
Side Effects
* Zoloft
Side Effects
* Paxil
Side Effects
Click further to learn more about the antidepressants.
