Side Effects of Depression Medications

The older antidepressants like tricyclics had some severe side effects. But the new antidepressant drugs have fewer side effects when compared to the tricyclics. The severity of the side effects changes from patient to patient. All serious side effects should be immediately reported to your therapist.

Patients on tricyclic antidepressants have a drowsy feeling during the daytime. To avoid this most of the highly sedative antidepressants are taken during night time. If the patient is taking tricyclic antidepressant during daytime, try to avoid driving and doing dangerous works. Dry mouth and constipation are two commonly seen side effects while taking tricyclic antidepressants. Some patients also complain about dizziness and blurred vision. But this will not stay for long and normality will be restored soon. Urinating will be affected and might be painful sometimes. In some cases the urine stream will not be strong.

Tricyclics and SSRIs affect the sexual functioning. Serzone and Wellbutrin are two new medicines which are devoid of this side effect.

Nausea and headache are two common side effects associated with new antidepressant medications. But these side effects are temporary. Nervousness and feeling jittery are other side effects. Some people will have trouble in sleeping normally and might wake up in the middle of the night. Certain patients also find it difficult to sleep. Some of the new medications also affect the sexual functioning.

If any of the side effects persists for too long and affects normal life style, it should be consulted with the therapist.