When a patient is diagnosed with a disorder such as depression or anxiety, a physician may prescribe an antidepressant to relieve the symptoms. Like other medications, antidepressants carry side effects and warnings. Before starting the medication, follow any associated restrictions and report any problems to your doctor.
Increased Suicidal Thoughts
While used to treat depression, an antidepressant may cause an increase in suicidal thoughts and behavior when first started. The patient may become preoccupied with death, and may attempt to hurt or kill himself. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that users between the ages of 18 and 24 are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts during the first 2 months of treatment. Although the warning is for that specific age group, the thoughts and behaviors may occur in any patient. When starting an antidepressant, the patient should be monitored closely for any warning signs.
Blood Pressure and Stroke
If a patient takes a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), a restrictive diet should be followed. The Mayo Clinic states that foods with large amounts of tyramine, a monoamine compound, can increase the patient's blood pressure when combined with an MAOI. That increase in blood pressure puts the patient at high risk for a stroke, which can result in permanent brain damage, or even death. Foods such as chocolate, pickled foods, and some meats and cheeses should be avoided; alcoholic, reduced alcohol or alcohol-free wine and beer are also restricted.
Dangerous Drug Interactions
Whenever a patient begins a new medication, he needs to ensure that it does not have a dangerous interaction with another drug. Antidepressants are no exception. For example, MAOIs should not be combined with another antidepressant, which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants. The interaction of multiple antidepressants can result in serotonin syndrome, a serious condition that results from an excess of the neurotransmitter serotonin. The Mayo Clinic adds that over-the-counter decongestants, some pain killers, St. John's wort and other herbal supplements can cause serious problems when combined with a MAOI.
