Newer antidepressants have fewer side effects than earlier medications, and doctors tend to prescribe them first, although some patients still find the older drugs more effective. Some side effects can occur with any antidepressant, and doctors can treat symptoms by switching or altering medication. It may take several weeks for drugs to reach full effectiveness, so patience plays an important role in finding the right medication and dosage.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, block the absorption of serotonin, leaving more serotonin available for the neurons, although the role of serotonin in depression is not yet fully understood. SSRI medications include citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and escitalopram. Some side effects may include nausea, fatigue, headache, nervousness and dry mouth. The symptoms usually disappear early in treatment, Psych Central explains. More persistent side effects may include insomnia, weight gain and sexual problems.
SNRIs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, work in a similar way to SSRIs by blocking the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. As with the SSRIs, the effect of these drugs on depression is not fully understood. Drugs in this class include duloxetine and venlafaxine, and side effects can include upset stomach, insomnia, headache, a minor increase in blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
Bupropion
Bupropion works as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness explains. Again, the drug leaves more of these two neurotransmitters available to the nervous system, but the way in which the drug works on depression is not yet understood. Bupropion has fewer side effects than older medications and also results in fewer sexual side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs. Bupropion may also cause side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, headaches, dry mouth, agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or nausea.
References
- Psych Central: Side Effects of Antidepressant Medications
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Medication
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Depression-Medication
- MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression)-Antidepressants: Which Cause the Fewest Sexual Side Effects?
- MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression)-Treatments and Drugs
