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Antidepressant Medicines & Side Effects

According to Medline Plus, 6 percent of Americans are clinically depressed. Nearly 6 million of those have been diagnosed and are now taking antidepressants. Unfortunately, many people taking antidepressants have noticed side effects that hinder them from living a happy, healthy life. What many are not aware of is the difference between the side effects of the medication and the effects of depression.

  1. Types

    • Within the past several years, researchers have concluded that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because of this, medications have been designed to relieve those with depression of the symptoms. This class of medication is known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI. There are several different SSRI medications available, including Citalopram, Paroxetine, Escitalopram, Fluvoxamine, and Fluoxetine. Each of these medications alters the release of serotonin, a chemical found within your brain. This chemical mainly effects your mood, and if unbalanced, can cause depression. The medication works to regulate serotonin so that you may experience normal moods, rather than a constant feeling of depression.

    Citalopram

    • Citalopram, more commonly known as Celexa, is an antidepressant that treats general depression. Celexa has a large series of reported side effects, ranging from minor to major. The following are the side effects associated with this medication:

      1. Nausea and vomiting
      2. Insomnia
      3. Sweating
      4. Tremors
      5. Diarrhea
      6. Problems ejaculating
      7. Tiredness
      8. Dry mouth
      9. Upper respiratory infections
      10. Anxiety
      11. Decrease in appetite
      12. Erectile dysfunction
      13. Stomach pain
      14. Fever
      15. Heartburn
      16. Indigestion
      17. Sinus infection
      18. Muscle pain
      19. Sex drive decrease
      20. Suicidal behavior
      21. Restlessness
      22. Irritability
      23. Chest palpitations
      24. Serotonin syndrome
      25. Hypertension
      26. Hypothyroidism
      27. Diabetes
      28. Heart failure
      29. Asthma
      30. Atrial fibrillation
      31. Kidney stones

    Paroxetine

    • Paroxetine, or Paxil, is a medication used to treat severe depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders. The side effects include:

      1. Anxiety
      2. Decreased sex drive
      3. Change in appetite
      4. Burning sensations
      5. Changes in weight
      6. Irregular heartbeat
      7. Muscle pain
      8. Rash
      9. Difficulty speaking
      10. Decrease in muscle movement
      11. Difficult eye movement
      12. Shivering
      13. Lack of energy
      14. Serotonin syndrome
      15. Excessive sweating
      16. Suicidal behavior

    Escitalopram

    • Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro, is used to treat general anxiety and depression. Some of the side effects reported from this medication are:

      1. Restlessness
      2. Sexual difficulties
      3. Shaking
      4. Changes in weight
      5. Suicidal behavior
      6. Tiredness
      7. Anxiety
      8. Dizziness
      9. Irritability
      10. Serotonin disorder
      11. Headaches
      12. Indigestion
      13. Blurred vision
      14. Indigestion
      15. Nausea

    Fluvoxamine

    • Fluvoxamie, also known as Luvox CR, is used to treat several mental disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Some of the reported side effects are:

      1. Constipation
      2. Dry mouth
      3. Dizziness
      4. Diarrhea
      5. Nervousness
      6. Weakness
      7. Stuffy nose
      8. Insomnia
      9. Strange behavior
      10. Blood in stool
      11. Fainting
      12. Irregular heartbeat
      13. Hallucinations
      14. Seizures
      15. Painful erections
      16. Mood swings
      17. Vision changes
      18. Trouble breathing

    Fluoxetine

    • Fluoxetine is commonly known as Prozac. It is used to treat severe depression and other related mental disorders. The following side effects have been reported while taking this medication:

      1. Suicidal behavior
      2. Anxiety
      3. Mood swings
      4. Confusion
      5. Irregular heartbeat
      6. Seizures
      7. Coma
      8. Fever
      9. Hallucinations
      10. Nausea
      11. Vomiting
      12. Changes in blood pressure
      13. Insomnia
      14. Allergic reaction
      15. Restlessness

    Warning

    • All antidepressant medications have a chance of causing suicidal tendencies in adolescents under the age of 18. If your child is depressed, you should consult your doctors on the options available to you.

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