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Effects of Antidepressants

While antidepressants will help manage your depression, they come with some nasty side effects. Some may last only a few weeks, while others may linger the entire course of your treatment. Discuss with your physician the best way for you to handle your side effects.

  1. Weight Gain

    • As your depression decreases, your appetite will increase, making it easier to put on the pounds. You may also experience some water retention and be disinterested in physical activities.

    Insomnia

    • Antidepressants may provide an energy spike that may lead to insomnia. While the energy boast may feel nice at first, it makes it difficult for you to sleep at night, making you often tired throughout the day.

    Agitation, Restlessness and Anxiety

    • Antidepressants provide a stimulating effect, which promotes restlessness and anxiety. You may enjoy the extra energy, but you won't be able to relax and you will need to watch for racing thoughts. If it becomes too much, alert your doctor to rule out any other mood disorders.

    Dizziness

    • Tricyclic and MAOI antidepressants can cause dizziness--especially in older people--due to lowered blood pressure.

    Sexual Side Effects

    • Sexual side effects may last throughout the length of your treatment. You may experience decreased libido, decreased orgasms, delayed ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

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