Every year, more than 25 million Americans visit their doctor for treatment of depression. Antidepressant medications are prescribed for most cases of depression. However, antidepressants commonly cause side effects that can impact quality of life. These side effects often cause patients to stop taking antidepressants. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following guidelines to help cope with common side effects of antidepressants.
1. Nausea-
Nausea is a common side effect that often resolves within several weeks of taking the antidepressant. You can prevent nausea by taking the drug with food, drinking plenty of water, taking an antacid, taking a slow-release form of the drug, or asking your doctor about changing the dose.
2. Weight gain-
Some antidepressants, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are more likely than other drugs to cause weight gain. You can help prevent weight gain by asking your doctor about changing the drug, eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, getting regular exercise, cutting out desserts and fast foods, and consulting with a nutritionist.
3. Sexual problems-
Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), are more likely than other drugs to cause sexual side effects. The side effects can include decreased sexual desire (libido), erectile dysfunction, and delayed or diminished orgasm. You can help prevent sexual problems by asking your doctor about changing the drug, changing the dose, or stopping the drug for a day once a week.
4. Fatigue-
Some antidepressants can cause fatigue. You should not drive or operate machinery while feeling fatigued. You can help prevent this by taking the antidepressant 1 hour before bedtime, getting regular exercise, and taking a short nap.
5. Anxiety or insomnia-
Some antidepressants may have an energizing or stimulating effect. This side effect can cause anxiety or difficulty sleeping, resulting in insomnia and fatigue. You can help prevent this by taking the antidepressant in the morning, getting regular exercise, cutting out caffeinated drinks, and asking your doctor about adjusting the dose, changing the drug, or taking a sleep or relaxing medication.
6. Dry mouth, blurry vision or constipation-
Dry mouth, blurry vision and constipation side effects are associated with antidepressants that have anticholinergic effects. You can help prevent these side effects by drinking plenty of water, asking your doctor about saliva substitutes or eyedrops to relieve dryness, and eating high fiber foods or taking fiber supplements.
REFERENCES:
1. Side effects of antidepressants. MayoClinic.com, December 8, 2004:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/MH00062
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 12, 2006 03:23 PM
