by B. Harris

Created on: August 10, 2010

It is no exaggeration to say that antidepressants can be a lifesaver.  Anyone suffering from depression - especially severe depression - understands the need for relief.  Depression manifests itself in various ways, including sadness, suicidal feelings, physical aches and pains, lethargy, and more.  Although antidepressants can alleviate some or all of these symptoms, they can also have some significant side effects.  When choosing an antidepressant, you must take into account the beneficial effects and weigh them against the side effects. 

The most common antidepressants nowadays are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.  These include most of the medications that are commonly known, such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa.  There are many common side effects with these medications. Although they vary from person to person and cannot all be listed here, there are some that are more common than others.

Some of the most dreaded antidepressant side effects are sexual.  Many different medications can cause a loss of interest in sex, possible erectile dysfunction, and trouble for moth men and women in achieving an orgasm.  Because these problems are so intimate, many people are too embarrassed to discuss them with their doctors, and may even go off of the medication.  Not all antidepressants have these effects, however.  You and your doctor can try different medications, different doses, and various times to take the medication, all of which may help stop the unwanted effects.

Weight gain is another reason why many people either go off their medication or avoid starting it at all.  Although some medications - especially those that can also be used as antipsychotics - do cause significant weight gain in many people, there are ways around this.  One way is to switch medications.  Wellbutrin is not usually blamed for weight gain, and many SSRIs are benign in this matter as well.  Again, it is important to talk to a doctor about dosage, timing, and medication choice.

Depression causes sleeping problems in most sufferers.  Some people find they have insomnia, either not being able to fall asleep or waking up many times during the night.  Others find that they sleep far too much and are always tired.  Frustratingly for many people, the side effects of antidepressants can cause the same problems.  If someone experiences insomnia as a side effect of antidepressants, he or she should be sure to take the medication in the morning.  In addition, a doctor may be able to prescribe a non-habit forming sleep aid.  If drowsiness is the problem, the medication should be taken before bedtime. 

Some medications may need to be avoided because of their side effects.  Medications that cause anxiety or blurred vision, for example, may have to be discontinued or taken in smaller doses.  Other side effects can be approached with over the counter remedies.  Constipation, acid reflux, and nausea can all be fought with over the counter supplements or medications.  The most worrisome side effect of antidepressants is suicidal thoughts or behavior.  Although rare, this is extremely dangerous and a doctor or emergency medical provider should be notified immediately to advise on the best way to discontinue the medication.

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