Side Effects Of Antidepressants

Depression is a serious mental health condition that often benefits from professional treatment. Over the years, many prescription medications have been developed that may provide research-backed benefits for those living with depression. Depending on the individual and the specific medication, they may improve mood, reduce stress, and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes during other forms of treatment like therapy. 

That said, it’s not uncommon for some people to experience side effects of antidepressants. Being educated about side effects helps you know what to watch for if you take them. Below, explore options for depression treatment, some of the most common side effects that can accompany depression medications, and how you might manage potential complications. 

Depression medication overview

The first-line treatment for short-term or chronic depression is typically psychotherapy, which is sometimes recommended in combination with medication. There are various types of antidepressants that may be prescribed to manage depressive symptoms. These are the main categories are:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 

Often, antidepressants are prescribed to control mood, increase energy, and prevent relapse. They may do so by altering levels of neurotransmitters—like serotonin and noradrenaline—that are often deficient in those who experience depressive disorders. 

If you’re living with depression and your healthcare professional decides that prescription medication may be an appropriate part of your treatment, they may consider several factors before deciding which antidepressant to try first. Things to consider include family history, existing conditions, and any other medications you’re currently taking. If one antidepressant does not yield the desired results after a certain time, your doctor or psychiatrist might change the dose, switch you to a different antidepressant, or prescribe an additional medication to address treatment-resistant depression.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Potential side effects to consider

While both common and atypical antidepressants are generally considered to be safe, adverse reactions can occur. According to the FDA, side effects are “unwanted, undesirable effects that are possibly related” to a given medication. Many antidepressants are designed to change the chemical composition of the brain, which can not only lead to improvements in depression symptoms but may also alter other functions in the body. While these side effects can be mild in some cases, in other situations, they can significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life and impact their mental and physical health. Below are 10 of the most common side effects.

If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Headaches are one possible side effect that may occur when taking medications prescribed to treat depression. In one meta-analysis, researchers suggested that only two of the many common types of antidepressants correlated to an increase in headaches; other instances may be coincidence. Other types of antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to treat migraines in extreme or rare cases. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing headaches caused by your antidepressant, your doctor may recommend certain over-the-counter pain relievers, alter your dosage, or change your medication. 

The changes in neurotransmitter levels—specifically serotonin levels—that can be brought on by new antidepressant use can lead an individual to have a sense of being satiated, which can reduce appetite and cause weight loss in the short term. Over the long term, however, an individual may experience increased food cravings, which can lead to weight gain. Significant, unmanaged weight gain has the potential to cause or exacerbate diseases related to obesity and create a variety of other physical health challenges. However, each person is different, and gaining weight is not inherently linked to health challenges. Talk to your doctor to understand what lifestyle changes and medication changes are healthy for you. 

Nutritious eating and regular exercise may help you mediate these effects. You might also consider adding nutrient-rich foods to your meals. Talk to a nutritionist or doctor to discover what foods are best for your unique body. To experience the benefits of physical activity, you might try going for frequent walks, following along with dance videos, taking up a sport, or joining a gym.

Increased levels of serotonin can alter the brain’s ability to control sleep, which may cause someone on an antidepressant to struggle with falling and staying asleep. Changes in sleep patterns are already one of the common symptoms for people who live with major depressive disorder, so this potential side effect of antidepressants can be particularly troublesome. Practicing good sleep hygiene like limiting caffeine and alcohol, going to bed and waking up around the same time every day, and engaging in a soothing routine like having a cup of tea and doing a progressive muscle relaxation exercise may help if you’re experiencing sleep problems.

Lightheadedness, loss of balance, and similar sensations have been reported by people taking certain forms of depression medication—particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants. However, these results may differ for different people. 

Thought to be the result of a drop in blood pressure, dizziness is also associated with the sudden cessation of SSRI use, which is one of many reasons it’s crucial to ask your doctor before starting or stopping any medication. This side effect commonly manifests as a head rush, which can be dangerous in certain situations. If you’re experiencing this side effect, avoiding sudden movements, limiting alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that may cause temporarily high blood pressure, and using support when getting up could help. 

Those who experience fatigue as a result of antidepressants may notice it within the first few weeks of taking a new medication, though it can persist for much longer. This side effect is considered common when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Fatigue can be a difficult side effect to deal with, especially if it occurs while you're at work or partaking in an activity that requires extended periods of concentration. If you’re experiencing fatigue, your doctor may adjust your medication. A well-timed, 30-minute power nap may also help some people focus and increase their energy.  

Challenges with arousal, libido, and other aspects of sexual function are frequently reported by those taking antidepressants. In a study of 137 people on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), 39% reported experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. 

If you’re experiencing sexual problems due to antidepressant use, your doctor may prescribe a different medication or alter the current dosage. Taking certain natural supplements, such as maca root and ginkgo biloba, may also provide sexual health benefits that may alleviate these concerns. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.  

Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, and other stomach flu-like symptoms are common side effects of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These complications may be noticeable early in treatment while the body is adjusting to a new chemical compound. While antidepressant-related stomach pain often goes away over time, it can persist in some cases. 

If you’re experiencing these side effects, your doctor may direct you to take your antidepressant with food, though their advice can depend on your specific medication and symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating nutritious meals, and using antacids may alleviate gastrointestinal distress as well. 

Even though antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety, the increase in serotonin levels produced by an antidepressant can cause an individual to become easily agitated, jittery, and fearful, particularly early on. If you’re experiencing this side effect, your doctor may decide to switch your medication or change your dosage.

Thought to be the result of alterations in salivary gland function, dry mouth is a common antidepressant side effect—particularly with tricyclic antidepressants. This side effect seems to affect elderly people more frequently than other populations. Drinking plenty of water can help lubricate the mouth, and chewing sugar-free gum may produce more saliva. 

Fluctuations in glycemic levels have been recorded as side effects by those taking certain antidepressants. There is evidence that certain medications (e.g., trazodone and escitalopram) may decrease blood sugar, while others (e.g., sertraline) may increase it. This side effect can be particularly noticeable for those who live with a condition that already affects their blood glucose, like diabetes or hypoglycemia. Dizziness, weakness, or excessive fatigue could all be related to changes in blood sugar levels.

Therapy for depression symptoms

Research suggests that a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be the most effective treatment course for individuals with depression. There is also evidence that online platforms may be an efficacious method of offering mental health care to those who may not have providers in their area or who simply prefer the convenience of attending therapy from home. One literature review suggests that online therapy may reduce depression symptoms with a “lower cost and greater convenience than traditional therapy.”

If you would like additional support as you navigate depression symptoms or the side effects of antidepressants, online therapy may be worth exploring. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed therapist remotely, which can be helpful if depression makes leaving home difficult. You can also contact your therapist outside of sessions, so if you have a question about your symptoms, you can send them a message and they’ll respond when they’re able. 

Take your medication exactly as directed, do not start or stop taking it without your doctor’s approval, and seek immediate care if you begin experiencing confusion, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, or seizures, as these effects could indicate a serious reaction, according to the Cleveland Clinic.