What Are Side Effects of Psychiatric Medicine?

Psychiatric medications can include antidepressants such as Prozac and Desyrel, sedatives like Xanax and Klonopin, and sleeping pills such as Halcion. All psychiatric drugs do have the risk of side effects, some of which can be life-threatening.

Suicidal Thoughts

• Antidepressants carry the risk of increasing suicidal thoughts, especially among children and young adults, according to MedlinePlus.

Possible Addiction

• Sedatives like Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) as well as sleeping pills such as Halcion (triazolam) can be potentially habit-forming, according to MedlinePlus.

Hives

• Virtually every psychiatric drug can lead to hives, which is a form of allergic reaction that causes red bumps and itching on the skin, according to MedlinePlus.

Hallucinations

• Some psychiatric medications such as Xanax and Prozac can cause hallucinations, according to MedlinePlus. This is characterized by seeing things that do not exist or hearing voices.

Gastrointestinal Changes

• Most psychiatric medicines carry a potential for gastrointestinal side effects, including appetite loss, weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea, according to MedlinePlus.