Although antidepressant medications help to relieve the symptoms of depression, they also may produce unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. While many of these side effects are physical, some potentially dangerous behavioral side effects may also develop. Behavioral side effects may indicate that the antidepressant is not having its desired effect, warns the Helpguide website; therefore, all behavioral side effects should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
Clinical Worsening
Although antidepressants are supposed to ease depression symptoms, some patients may find their depression symptoms worsening because of the medication. Behavioral signs of clinical worsening include agitation, hostility, irritability, aggressiveness and restlessness. Patients displaying these side effects should call their doctors for advice.
Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior
Antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior, especially in patients younger than 24 years of age. Patients taking antidepressants should ask their family members and friends to monitor them for signs of suicidal behavior. Any patient who seems suicidal requires emergency help from a trained mental help professional.
Unusual Changes in Behavior
Patients taking antidepressants may display other unusual behaviors or act out of character. They may act recklessly, change their sleeping patterns or suffer from extreme hyperactivity. Even if the unusual behavior seems relatively harmless, all individuals who show sudden or significant changes in behavior should have these side effects reported to a doctor as soon as possible, warns MayoClinic.com.
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