Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They are effective in treating depression, and they have fewer side effects than the other antidepressants. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

SSRIs block the reuptake, or absorption, of serotonin in the brain. This makes it easier for the brain cells to receive and send messages, resulting in better and more stable moods. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

They are called “selective” because they mainly seem to affect serotonin, and not the other neurotransmitters. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

SSRIs and SNRIs may have the following side effects:

hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
low sodium
nausea
rash
dry mouth
constipation or diarrhea
weight loss
sweating
tremor
sedation
sexual dysfunction
insomnia
headache
dizziness
anxiety and agitation
abnormal thinking

Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are so named because there are three rings in the chemical structure of these medications. They are used to treat depression, fibromyalgia, some types of anxiety, and they can help control chronic pain. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

Tricyclics may have the following side effects:

seizures
insomnia
anxiety
arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat
hypertension
rash
nausea and vomiting
abdominal cramps
weight loss
constipation
urinary retention
increased pressure on the eye
sexual dysfunction

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

This type of antidepressant was commonly prescribed before the introduction of SSRIs and SNRIs. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

It inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase, a brain enzyme. Monoamine oxidase helps break down neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

If less serotonin is broken down, there will be more circulating serotonin. In theory, this leads to more stabilized moods and less anxiety.

Doctors now use MAOIs if SSRIs have not worked. MAOIs are generally saved for cases where other antidepressants have not worked because MAOIs interact with several other medications and some foods.

Side effects include: Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

blurred vision
rash
seizures
edema
weight loss or weight gain
sexual dysfunction
diarrhea, nausea, and constipation
anxiety
insomnia and drowsiness
headache
dizziness
arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm
fainting or feeling faint when standing up
hypertension, or high blood pressure

Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan) and selegiline (EMSAM, Eldepryl). Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

Noradrenaline and specific serotoninergic antidepressants (NASSAs)

These are used to treat anxiety disorders, some personality disorders, and depression. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

Possible side effects include:

constipation
dry mouth
weight gain
drowsiness and sedation
blurred vision
dizziness

More serious adverse reactions include seizures, white blood cell reduction, fainting, and allergic reactions. Side Effects of Antidepressants drugs

What Are the Side Effects of Antidepressants?

By Rachel Reiff Ellis

Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on November 05, 2021

Antidepressants can bring relief from many symptoms of depression. But side effects are often part of the package. Some aren’t fun to deal with. Others you can manage. In rare cases, they can be serious and your doctor may need to switch your medication. side effects of antidepressants drugs

The Usual Suspects

Everyone reacts to medicines differently, but some side effects are typical. These include:

You may have many, a few, or none of these. Keep in mind that some of these may go away a few weeks after you start your antidepressant.

Dealing With Them

Some general things can help you ease side effects when taking your antidepressants:

Eat small, more frequent meals throughout the day to help your digestion.
Drink plenty of water.
Cut back on sweets and saturated fats
Eat plenty of veggies and fruits.
Keep a food diary so you can see if something you’re eating is ramping up your side effects.
Practice relaxation methods, like deep breathing or yoga.
Get regular exercise.

Depending on which side effects you have, there are specific things that can help:

Nausea: Suck on sugarless candy, and ask about a slow-release version of your antidepressant. Take the medication at night so the nausea doesn’t bother you as much.

Sexual issues: Have sex right before you take your antidepressant, when effects are lowest. Talk to your doctor about other things that can help, like estrogen cream or erectile dysfunction medication.

Fatigue: Take your meds at night before bed. Try to have a short nap during the day, too.

Trouble sleeping: Take your antidepressant in the morning instead of close to bedtime, stay away from caffeine, and ask your doctor about any medicines that can help you sleep.

Dry mouth: Carry water with you throughout the day, suck on ice chips, or chew gum. Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Talk to your doctor about medication that can help you make more saliva.