Antidepressants make more serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine available to the brain. Mild side effects associated with antidepressants include diarrhea, dry mouth and fatigue. Antidepressants also have the potential to cause bad side effects and patients should notify a doctor if this happens.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
One of the most widely prescribed classes of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have the potential to cause several side effects. SSRIs work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin, making more of the neurotransmitter available to the brain. When excessive amounts of serotonin remain in the brain, the risk of serotonin syndrome increases. Drugs.com reports that serotonin syndrome occurs when patients take two drugs that effect serotonin levels at the same time. Some migraine medications, other antidepressants and the herb St. John's Wort all have the potential to raise serotonin levels in the brain. Symptoms to look out for include tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, and diarrhea. Sweating, hallucinations and uncontrolled movement can also indicate a problem. Serotonin syndrome is a medical emergency.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors were the first drugs approved for the treatment of depression. With the popularity of SSRI's, MAOIs are being prescribed less and less. MAOIs work by increasing serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. They can cause serotonin syndrome when taken with other serotonin-boosting drugs. MAOIs cannot be taken with foods containing tyramine. MayoClinic.com states that foods high in tyramine consumed in combination with MAOIs will cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Cheese, alcoholic beverages, pickled food and processed meats contain tyramine.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors work like SSRIs, but also cause an increase in norepinephrine levels in the brain. Serotonin syndrome is a risk when taking SNRIs. Cholesterol levels can increase while taking these medications. High cholesterol may lead to heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Cholesterol should be monitored while taking SNRIs.
Tricyclc Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants work like SNRIs. According to MayoClinic.com, TCAs are associated with a higher risk of heart attack and can increase blood sugar. Increased blood sugar can cause complications such as blurred vision, kidney failure, or even death.
Considerations
On May 2, 2007, the FDA proposed that makers of all antidepressant medications update the existing black box warning on their products' labeling to include warnings about increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior, known as suicidality, in young adults ages eighteen to twenty-four during initial treatment. Researchers are unsure as to why antidepressants may cause suicidal thoughts and behavior. Consulting with a doctor throughout treatment with antidepressants can decrease the risk of suicide.
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