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Antidepressant Drug Side Effects

Antidepressants are psychiatric medications used to treat the symptoms of depression in children and adults. There are several different classes of antidepressants, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Side effects are usually minor and fade as the body becomes accustomed to the drug, but in rare instances can be dangerous.

  1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

    • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for mood, appetite and other states of being. Drugs in this class include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro and Luvox.

      Common physical side effects of SSRIs include nausea, headache, erectile dysfunction and weight loss or gain. Mental and emotional side effects include akathisia, anhedonia, low sex drive and mania. According to McManWeb.com, SSRIs have been linked to suicidal behaviors in children, leading the FDA to add a black box warning, the most serious of all pharmaceutical warnings, to all SSRI medications in 2005. The warning applies specifically to people under 25 with major depressive disorder and advises close monitoring of people starting SSRI therapy for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    • Tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are generally the second line of defense against depression if SSRIs prove ineffective. They are older than SSRIs and have a higher risk of side effects. Drugs in this class include Tofranil, Anafranil, Elavil and Sinequan.

      Due to their muscarinic effects, TCAs often cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, weight gain and urinary retention, which are often severe enough to discontinue treatment. Other more serious side effects include hypotension, increased body temperature and tachycardia.

    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    • The monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are generally considered a last resort due to the risk of life-threatening interactions with common foods and medications. MAOI antidepressants include Parnate, Nardil and Marplan.

      Side effects of MAOIs are similar to those of the tricyclics and include blurry vision, weight gain, urinary retention and lowered libido. The main danger associated with MAOIs is their ability to cause hypertensive crisis when combined with foods or other substances containing tyramine or tryptophan.

    Atypical Antidepressants

    • The atypical antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of multiple neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Medications like Wellbutrin, Remeron, and Desyrel fall under this category.

      Physical side effects of atypical antidepressants include weight loss of over 5 pounds, nausea, constipation and elevated cholesterol levels. Side effects involving mood and emotion include vivid dreams, mania and feelings of restlessness or tension.

    Warning

    • While not generally dangerous, some antidepressant side effects can signal serious problems. If you experience suicidal thoughts, worsening depression or physical symptoms like rapid heart beat or muscle tension, seek help immediately to avoid potentially harmful effects.

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