The most commonly prescribed medications to treat depression are a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Well-known SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). Seratonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are also popular and include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). While these drugs are widely accepted to be safer than older depression drugs like tricyclics, tetracyclics and MAOIs, all antidepressant medications present some risk of adverse consequences.
Physical Side Effects
There are a number of physical side effects of antidepressants. For some, these side effects may resolve after a brief adjustment period. For others, symptoms may persist, requiring a change in dose or drug. Common side effects include headache, rashes, joint and muscle pain, dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, rashes, weight gain and sleep disturbances.
A potentially serious side effect of depression drugs is stomach bleeding. A meta-analysis conducted by Dr. Y.K. Loke and colleagues published in the January 15, 2008 issue of "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" concluded that SSRI use--both alone and in combination with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen--increases the likelihood of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Emotional Side Effects
Antidepressants can cause unwanted emotional side effects that vary in intensity. These include irritable mood, restlessness, anxiety, hyperactivity, hostility and agitation.
Suicidality
One of the most serious side effects of antidepressants is their tendency to increase suicidal thoughts and behavior. In the August 11, 2009 edition of "British Medical Journal", Marc Stone and his colleagues from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research provided the results of a meta-analysis, concluding that antidepressants double the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior among young adults. This is a level of risk on par with children and adolescents who are also highly susceptible to suicidality while taking antidepressants. Suicidal behavior, and to a lesser degree suicidal thinking, appears to decrease with age among those using antidepressants.
Sexual Side Effects
Antidepressants commonly cause a noticeable reduction in sex drive. This may reduce the motivation to have sex and cause problems in having and enjoying sex.
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