Antidepressants Side Effects

Antidepressants have become part of modern mental health care as they offer relief and stability for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. However, like any form of medication, antidepressants can cause a range of side effects, which can be mild or even serious ones.

If you’re about to start taking antidepressants or you’re already taking them, then understanding how they work and what to expect can help you feel more informed and prepared.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss with you what antidepressants are, the common and serious side effects you might encounter, and some ways to cope with the physical and mental changes that can arise along the way.

Understanding Antidepressant

Antidepressants include several classes of medications that are used to treat different forms of mental health conditions. Contrary to common beliefs, it’s not only prescribed for clinical depression; it’s also effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions.

These medications work by influencing your brain’s neurotransmitters, which affect your mood, emotions, and behaviour. For instance, when your levels of serotonin are out of balance, you might experience symptoms like persistent sadness, fatigue, anxiety, and low motivation. Hence, antidepressants help correct that imbalance and improve your overall mood.

How Do Antidepressants Work?

When you take an antidepressant, it doesn’t immediately change how you feel. Instead, it slowly increases your serotonin levels in the brain. Over time, it can improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and restore emotional balance.

Although antidepressants can be highly effective, they’re not a universal solution for your condition. It is essential to note that the type of medication, dosage, and individual body response can all impact the effectiveness of the treatment. That’s why, when you’re taking medications, regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential, as it can take some adjustments before you find the right fit.

Generally, it takes a few weeks for the benefits of antidepressants to become significantly noticeable. Expect that when you first start taking these medications, side effects may appear before the emotional improvement does. 

What Are the Common Side Effects of Antidepressants?

As mentioned, when you start taking antidepressants, your body may react differently. Data from research and clinical practice indicate that most side effects are manageable and tend to ease within the first few weeks. However, knowing what to expect can help alleviate your worry. Here are some of its common side effects:

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common early side effects when starting an antidepressant. This occurs as your body begins to adjust to the new medication. Fortunately, this sensation gradually fades over time, and simple strategies, such as taking your medication with food and staying well-hydrated, can help ease the discomfort.

Fatigue 

Like nausea, fatigue may also occur when you begin taking an antidepressant. You might feel drowsy, unfocused, or slower than usual. If you notice that these symptoms persist, then adjusting the timing of your dose may help.

Insomnia

Insomnia is another frequent complaint, especially when you take the antidepressant late in the day. This trouble with sleeping can interfere with your recovery, so it’s essential to discuss this side effect with your healthcare provider if it persists beyond the adjustment period.

Increased Anxiety

Increased anxiety may also show up early in the treatment. Although antidepressants are prescribed to reduce anxiety, they may cause a temporary spike when you first start taking them. But don’t worry, as this is usually short-lived and often fades over time. 

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual side effects are commonly reported, which include reduced libido, problems in arousal, delayed orgasm, and even erectile dysfunction. Based on clinical observation, these effects are more prevalent with certain types of antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIS).

Weight Gain

Weight gain is another side effect that many people taking antidepressants are worried about. One of the reasons for weight gain is that some antidepressants may lead to changes in appetite or metabolism over time. Therefore, monitoring your lifestyle habits while taking this medication is also vital.

Serious Antidepressant Side Effects

Although most people who use antidepressants don’t experience these serious side effects, it’s still important to be aware of their potential risks. Some of them include:

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but dangerous condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in your brain. It can happen when you combine medications that affect serotonin levels or when a dose is too high. When this occurs, you may experience confusion, agitation, a rapid heart rate, muscle rigidity, and fever. If you notice these changes, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia, or low blood sodium, is more likely to cause issues in older adults who take an SSRI. This can lead to headaches, confusion, fatigue, and even seizures. If you are over 65 or taking diuretics, regular check-ups and blood tests are strongly recommended, as they help monitor these risks.

Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are a serious side effect that can happen when you first start taking antidepressants. This doesn’t mean that your medication is unsafe, but it does require extra careful monitoring. If you are experiencing this, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Types of Antidepressants

There are several classes of antidepressants being used by healthcare providers, and each works in a unique way to improve mood and manage various symptoms. Finding the right one for you often involves trial and adjustment based on how your body responds and which side effects are most manageable. 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly given antidepressants. Specifically, they work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite. Since it’s known for its relatively mild side effects, SSRIs are usually the first choice. Some examples of SSRIs are fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram. 

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs work by increasing both your serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and are often used when SSRIs alone aren’t enough to manage your symptoms. These medications can be effective if you have depression with physical symptoms like chronic pain or fatigue. Although these antidepressants may cause nausea, anxiety, or sexual side effects, they are generally well-tolerated. Some examples of SNRIs are duloxetine and venlafaxine.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs are one of the oldest forms of antidepressants used to treat many conditions. They also work by blocking the reuptake of your serotonin and norepinephrine, but tend to have more noticeable side effects than newer generation antidepressants. Specifically, they’re likely to cause drowsiness, dry mouth, weight changes, and dizziness. Despite this, TCAs can be highly effective, especially for those who have treatment-resistant depression. 

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs prevent the breakdown of various neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which makes them very effective for those who haven’t responded to other medications. However, MAOIs may cause serious interactions with certain foods and medications, so taking them requires strict dietary monitoring.

Serotonin Modulators and Stimulators (SMS)

SMS medications act on multiple and not just one serotonin receptor, which makes it useful if you have both mood and cognitive symptoms. These antidepressants aim to balance your emotional and mental clarity while minimising common side effects seen in SSRIs and SNRIs. Although they’re relatively newer than other antidepressants, they show promise in offering fewer sexual side effects and better tolerability.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Antidepressants?

While primarily used to treat depression, antidepressants are also prescribed for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and some eating disorders. The versatility of these medications stems from their impact on multiple neural systems in the brain.

Since they affect serotonin levels and other mood-related neurotransmitters, antidepressants can cause improvement across a broad range of emotional and physiological symptoms.

Should I Stop Taking Antidepressants If I Have Side Effects?

It’s understandable to feel uneasy if you begin noticing side effects shortly after you start taking antidepressants. However, it’s important to know that stopping abruptly can lead to adverse reactions like dizziness, nausea, or mood swings, especially if you’re taking high doses or you’ve been on the medication for quite some time. 

Rather than quitting suddenly on your own, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider to guide you on how to manage these side effects. For instance, they may adjust the dose or switch you to a different antidepressant.

How to Cope with Antidepressant Side Effects?

While side effects are a common experience when you’re starting an antidepressant as your body adjusts to the medication, it’s crucial that you stay in regular contact with your doctor and report any changes in your mood, sleep, or physical and mental symptoms. 

It is also recommended that, while taking these medications, you support your well-being with good sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition, and gentle physical activities, such as walking.

Most side effects are temporary, and coping well early on can lead to improved long-term outcomes. However, if you notice any serious effects, it’s important that you contact your doctor immediately.

Get Expert Support at PROMIS Clinic

Choosing to take an antidepressant is more than a medical decision; it’s a step toward rebuilding your life. Here at PROMIS, we understand that this journey isn’t always smooth, as there may be side effects that arise along the way. If this happens, our team will guide you with clinical care and compassionate insight. This may involve adjusting your dosage, exploring alternative treatments, or pairing your medication with therapeutic support.

Remember that we’re here to help you make informed choices, not just for today but for healthier days ahead.