Depression: Dealing with medicine side effects
What side effects can antidepressants cause?
Side effects may vary depending on the medicine you take, but common ones include:
- Nausea.
- Dry mouth.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Sexual problems (loss of desire, erection problems).
- Headaches.
- Trouble falling asleep, or waking a lot during the night.
- Feeling nervous or on edge.
- Feeling drowsy in the daytime.
Most side effects are temporary and will go away after you take the medicine for a few weeks. But some (such as dry mouth, constipation, and sexual problems) may continue. If you have questions or concerns about your medicines, talk to your doctor.
Different medicines may cause different side effects. Learn more about the side effects of:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.
- Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Pamelor, and maprotiline.
- Atypical antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, and Remeron.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Nardil, Marplan, and Parnate.
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| Author: | Lila Havens | Last Updated: October 29, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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