Did you know that antidepressants can cause some side effects? This is the most recommended treatment to alleviate situations of depression or anxiety; however, some patients do not bear the adverse effects caused by these drugs.
In this article, we will discover the main side effects of antidepressants for you to know. However, you should keep in mind that each drug can affect the patient differently, so it is vital that, together with your doctor, you find the most suitable medicine for you.
What are the most common side effects of antidepressants?
Antidepressants indeed cause side effects. They usually appear within two or three weeks of starting treatment and usually improve over time. But it’s possible that the drug you’re taking doesn’t suit you, and therefore, you should change the medication and try another alternative. To do this, you should talk to your doctor and have the doctor prescribe a new medicine for you.
Side effects of antidepressants are often mild, though somewhat annoying. If you are feeling effects that seriously harm your quality of life, talk to your doctor to assess the possibility of changing medication or trying other alternatives.
Among the most common side effects, we highlight the following:
– Nausea. This is one of the most widespread side effects of antidepressants. It usually appears first and goes away most quickly, as your body gets used to the medication and assimilates it better. To reduce this side effect, one trick is to take the medication with meals and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
– Weight gain. Another side effect of the most common antidepressants is that the drug makes us more hungry and that we therefore gain weight. It may be about hunger or, also, because the medication will keep us more fluids. In this sense, the best way to avoid this situation is to control your diet well and bet on healthy lifestyles.
– Drowsiness. Of course, this side effect is another of the most popular and widespread among patients. Fatigue and drowsiness appear in the first few weeks and can cause a strong sense of tiredness. To feel better, bet on taking a nap and performing physical activity.
– Insomnia. It’s also possible that antidepressants cause you to have insomnia and not rest well at night. This will increase the sense of tiredness during the day, and it can be difficult to feel with vitality and energy. In these situations, talk to your doctor and value the possibility of taking the drug only in the morning. It also avoids foods and stimulating drinks such as caffeine, theine, or alcohol because they could stop you from sleeping well at night.
– Dry mouth. This is another side effect of the most common antidepressants and one that can be very annoying. To avoid this, drink water regularly, chew gum to stimulate saliva production, and avoid habits such as alcohol or tobacco because they dry the mouth.
– Constipation. And finally, the difficulties in going to the bathroom are another side of the effects of antidepressants. The reason is that these drugs are involved in intestinal transit and can cause bowel movements. To deal with this situation, increase the intake of fiber in your diet, exercise, and drink plenty of water.
Bibliography
DE, D. A. Or. I.S., & LA BARO, U.E.A.A. Secondary EFFECTS OF THE ANTIDEPRESSIVE ON THE FUNCTION.
Chávez-Leon, E., Ontiveros Uribe, M. P., & Serrano Gómez, C. (2008). Selective antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, SRI-5HT). Mental health, 31(4, 307-319.