Specific side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) depend on which SSRI is being taken. Overall SSRIs are usually started at a low dose and then slowly increased over days or weeks to let the body adjust to the medicine. Later, to stop the medication a similar step by step reduction of the dose is done over time to avoid uncomfortable side effects known as SSRI discontinuation syndrome.
Antidepressant
Antidepressants treat depression. They raise serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Improves mood and reduces the physical symptoms of depression. Learn more about antidepressants from our experts.
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RealAge answeredYou may not be able to take nortriptyline (name brands: Aventyl, Pamelor) and drive, which is a huge problem for many people. Side effects like sleepiness, light-headedness, shaky hands, and blurred vision can make you a danger behind the wheel. If you can solve the transportation issue and your physician agrees that nortriptyline is right for you (and you have no history of heart disease), it is better than smoking. Just don't drive or operate any heavy machinery until you know you can tolerate the drug without problems.
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredCommon antidepressant side effects you might notice include dry mouth, mild nausea, sleepiness, or insomnia. Luckily, side effects often go away after the first few days or weeks of treatment. If you have side effects that are severe or that don't go away, call your doctor. Be sure to call your doctor if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
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Tricyclic antidepressants are used as second-line medications for depression in people with dementia. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl). These are frequently used in people who have comorbid migraines or who may be having neuropathic pain. However, they are considered "dirtier" drugs in the sense that they are less specific in terms of the receptors that they target and can have more anticholinergic side effects, as well as a higher risk for cardiac arrhythmias. -
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Chippenham Hospital - HCA Virginia answeredSee All 2 AnswersAntidepressant therapy does have some notable risks. It’s not always effective on adolescents, and can trigger more severe reactions in that age group. It should be monitored carefully, but not ruled out as a treatment option.
Also, after a course of antidepressant therapy, one should not quit cold turkey—it can trigger major withdrawal symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, dizziness and worsening depression. Just as it takes several weeks to build up to therapeutic doses with antidepressant medication, you should wean off the medication at an interval agreed upon with your healthcare provider.
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Dr. Daniel G. Amen, MD , Psychiatry, answeredSee All 2 Answers
If you are taking antidepressants, it's important to see your doctor every couple of weeks when first prescribed, then regularly to monitor your progress. Watch as I discuss how often you should see your doctor and why.
Find out more about this DVD:
Why Should I See My Doctor Regularly If I'm Taking Antidepressants?
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredCommon side effects associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram) -- include sexual dysfunction, nausea, nervousness and insomnia, agitation, and decreased sweating with increased body temperature. Generally, these lessen with time. Data suggests that Lexapro is associated with less sexual dysfunction than the other SSRIs. -
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredTricyclic antidepressants include Elavil (amitriptyline), Tofranil (imipramine), and Pamelor (nortriptyline). These products are not commonly used as first-line agents for multiple sclerosis-related depression because they can cause some annoying adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness and increased heart rate. These can make other multiple sclerosis symptoms feel worse. For treatment-resistant depression, the tricyclic antidepressants are commonly used alone or in combination with other medications.