The National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression is a highly treatable disorder. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your prognosis is. Depression is most effectively treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. All antidepressant medication must be prescribed by your doctor and taken exactly as prescribed. There are three main classes of antidepressants. As with all medications, there is a risk for side effects. Any side effects you have should be reported to your doctor, particularly if they do not go away or if they are severe.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) Side Effects
SSRIs work by affecting a chemical in the brain to elevate mood. While all SSRIs work similarly in the brain, different SSRIs can have differing side effects. Side effects common to all SSRIs include sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, rash, agitation or restlessness, increased sweating, weight gain and drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia. A rare but potentially lethal side effect of SSRIs is Serotonin Syndrome, when your brain has dangerously high levels of serotonin. This can happen if you are taking SSRIs that interact with other medications, so inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
Tricyclic (TCA) Side Effects
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) work on three brain chemicals--serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The Mayo Clinic notes that TCAs work on more areas of the brain than other antidepressants, so they tend to have more side effects. Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, digestive issues (constipation, urine retention and nausea), weight gain and sensitivity to sunlight, sexual dysfunction and weakness.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, MAOIs are the oldest class of antidepressants and have been used since the 1950s. MAOIs can produce serious safety concerns and side effects. Due to possible dangerous interactions with certain foods and beverages, you will have to be on a restricted diet that limits consumption of a chemical called tyramine. If you eat foods with tyramine while taking this medication, you can have a dangerous increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke. Common side effects of MAOIs include drowsiness, digestive issues (nausea, constipation and diarrhea), fatigue, dry mouth, low blood pressure (and associated lightheadedness), sexual impairment, sleep disturbances and muscle twitching. MAOIs can also cause neurological side effects, such as headache, blurred vision or dizziness. MAOIs can also affect your motor skills, producing shakiness, trembling, weakness and restlessness.
Antidepressants and Suicidal Feelings
In certain cases, antidepressants have been linked to worsening depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people ages 18 to 24. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any changes in your symptoms or notice suicidal thoughts or behavior.
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