Side Effects of Antidepressants
Side effects of antidepressants are many. Ironically one major side effect of antidepressant is, depression itself. This happens if the medicine is not taken in a correct manner. Every antidepressant has many side effects and doctors often prescribe on the basis of the patient’s tolerance level to these side effects. Some people can tolerate the side effects while others react severely.
Suicidal tendencies and violence is one side effect of all the antidepressants including the milder ones. One medicine with relatively low side effects is St.John’sWort or hypericum; an herb sold in capsulated form.
Side effect of the antidepressant (SSRI)
Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are drugs quite popular and prescribed by doctors for they are comparatively safe even when not used properly. But SSRI has pharmacokinetic and pharmcodynamic properties that mean SSRI can be dangerous when taken with MAOIs and with certain other medicines. Nausea, diarrhea, headache and sexual dysfunction are the most common side effects of SSRI while one dangerous side effect is promotion of suicidal thoughts. Problem of sexual dysfunction can be talked out with the doctor and if possible the medicine can be reduced to lesser dosage.
Side effect of the drug TCA (Tricyclic antidepressants)
Dry mouth, feeling dizzy with accompanying blurred vision; rashes on the skin and weight loss or gain drowsiness are the common side effects of this drug.
Remedial measures for the side effects
- The problem of increased weight can be tackled by eating less of sweets and starting on a healthier diet. Exercising for at least half an hour everyday is a must.
- Drowsiness can be tackled by a short nap during the day and precautionary move would be not to operate any machinery that could cause harm.
- It is always better to consult an eye doctor and rule out the possibility that blurred vision is caused by any other problem. Once the cause is ascertained then the doctor can be asked to prescribe eye drops for relief.
Side effects of MAOI’s
Heart attack, stroke, seizures are the rare but possible side effects of drugs like phenelzine (brand name: Nardil) and tranylcypromine (brand name: Parnate.)
Side effect of Bupropion
Dry mouth and nausea are common complaints related to Bupropion. Sleeplessness, restlessness, agitation, dizzy, confusion, menstruation problems and rashes are the other side effects that need mention.
Remedial measures for tackling these side effects
- Nausea: Usually lasts for a week after starting on antidepressants and it is easier to get rid of it if the medicines are taken with food. Drinking plenty of water and fluids and taking antacid also helps. Taking a medicine that is slowly released in the blood is recommended as another remedial relief.
- It is better to take this medicine in the morning and avoid it at bedtime for it causes sleeplessness.
- Drinking lots of water, sipping on ice, brushing teeth twice a day and having a sugarless candy in the mouth prevent the dry mouth symptom.
- Avoiding coffee and alcohol are important to prevent aggravation of dizziness. It is ideal to take this medicine at bedtime and to drink plenty of water to reduce the severity of the situation. Taking precautionary measure like rising slowly, not operating machinery is advisable.