What are some of the common side effects of antidepressants?
You might have different side effects with different medicines. There are 2 main kinds of antidepressants: tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (called SSRIs). Possible side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include the following: • Dry mouth • Blurred vision • Increased sleepiness • Excessive tiredness • Hand tremors • Feeling of weakness • Constipation • Bladder problems • Weight gain • Muscle twitching • Increased heart rate • Dizziness when standing up You have to be careful if you get sleepy or dizzy when you take tricyclic antidepressants. It’s not good to drive or operate machines when you take them, because they affect your reflexes and your attention span. SSRIs might have the following side effects: • Nausea • Vomiting • Tremor • Dry mouth • Sexual dysfunction (inability to ejaculate or to have an orgasm) • Sleepiness • Diarrhea • Insomnia • Anxiety What if the side effects don’t go away after a little while? Talk to your doctor. He or she
