Although antidepressant medication can be an effective way to treat depression for many people, many of these medications can also come with unwelcome side effects. Anyone considering the use of anti-depression medication should talk to her doctor and weigh the side effects against the potential benefits before deciding if a particular medication may be right for her.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
The side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can vary depending upon the specific SSRI you take, some possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, increased sweating, headache, weight gain, rash, agitation, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have side effects that can also depend upon the specific kind of SNRI taken, but some common side effects may include insomnia, abnormal dreams, tremors, changes in vision, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, anxiety, increased sweating, agitation, dizziness, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, gas and constipation.
Atypical Antidepressants
Three atypical antidepressants that are prescribed frequently for the treatment of depression include bupropion, trazodone and mirtazapine. The side effects of bupropion may include headaches, insomnia, changes in appetite and weight, dizziness, mild itching or rash, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth and a loss of interest in sex, according to Drugs.com.
However, according to the Mayo Clinic bupropion may cause less sexual dysfunction than other antidepressants. The biggest side effect of trazodone is its sedative properties, and it is often used as a sleep aid. Mirtazapine also has a sedative side effect, but other side effects include an increase in lipid levels and cholesterol.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants have many side effects, including difficulty urinating, sedation, weight gain, constipation, dry mouth and sexual dysfunction. Due to these side effects, tricyclic antidepressants are no longer usually a first-line medication in the treatment of depression, according to the Mayo Clinic, and are typically only prescribed when an SSRI or SNRI medication has not been successful.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
The side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can include sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, upset stomach, difficulty urinating, sleep problems, dizziness, twitching muscles, and can cause potentially fatal high blood pressure when taken with certain foods, beverages or other medications. Due to these potentially dangerous side effects, MAOIs are prescribed as frequently as they once were, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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