Has your doctor prescribed you medication for depression? If so, it's normal to feel a little apprehensive about the side effects of the medication when you start taking it. "What will happen to me if I take this?", "Will I feel uncomfortable?", etc. You may be wondering. In fact, these medications can greatly reduce the symptoms of depression. However, they can also cause some side effects. But don't worry, most of these can be managed.
The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor about any discomfort you're feeling. He or she can offer you relief and change your treatment plan if necessary.
What are the most common side effects?
Everyone responds differently to medications, but there are some common side effects that can occur when using these medications.
Imagine, you just started taking the medicine, and you might feel things like this:
- Nausea (feeling like vomiting)
- Weight gain
- Sleep problems (inability to fall asleep or feeling overly sleepy)
- Dry mouth
- Slightly blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Increased anxiety or restlessness
- Headache
- Bloating or constipation
- Sexual problems (low sexual desire, delayed ejaculation, difficulty achieving orgasm)
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Increased sweating
The important thing is that most of these symptoms go away on their own within a few weeks of starting the medication. So don't worry if you feel a little discomfort at first. However, some things, like sexual problems, may persist throughout the entire time you're taking the medication. So be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
Other side effects that are not commonly talked about, but you should know about
In addition to the above, there are also some side effects that are not so well-known, but we should be aware of.
| Side effect | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Increased sensitivity to alcohol | If you drink alcohol while taking this medicine, you may get drunk more quickly and more than usual. You may also feel very sleepy. So if you drink alcohol, drink very slowly and in small amounts. |
| Risk of bleeding | SSRI medications, in particular, can affect the function of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. Therefore, be careful if you notice new symptoms such as bruising, nosebleeds, or other symptoms, even from a minor injury. |
| Decreased sodium levels in the blood | We call this condition hyponatremia. It is more common in older people. The risk is highest within the first 2-4 weeks of starting the medication. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, excessive sleepiness, muscle pain, or weakness. |
Who gets these side effects?
This is a very interesting question. In fact, not everyone gets side effects. Some people can use the medication without feeling any difference. There are several reasons why side effects can occur:
- Other medications you are taking: If you are taking medication for another condition, it may interact with the medication you are taking for this depression. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (Western, Ayurvedic, vitamins).
- Age: Older people are slightly more likely to experience side effects.
- Genes: Genes determine how your body responds to medications.
- Type of medication: Newer medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs have relatively fewer side effects than older medications such as Tricyclic antidepressants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
What to do if side effects occur? Here are the solutions!
Don't think that living with the side effects is difficult. There are many simple things we can do.
| Side effect | Things you can do |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Take the medicine before going to bed at night. Chew sugar-free gum or eat a piece of toffee. You can also ask your doctor to switch to a slow-release medicine. |
| Sexual problems | Don't be shy about this and talk to your doctor. Try to have sex when the effects of the medication are at their lowest (for example, before taking the medication). Sometimes, on the advice of your doctor, you can try a 'drug holiday', where you stop taking the medication for a day or two, such as over the weekend. |
| Tiredness/sleepiness | Take the medicine before going to bed at night. Try to take a short nap during the day. |
| Insomnia | Take the medicine in the morning. Avoid drinking caffeine-containing beverages like coffee and tea in the evening. |
| Dry mouth | Keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day. Suck on ice cubes and sugar-free gum. Practice breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. |
| Constipation | Eat more fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, bran rice) and drink plenty of water. |
| Dizziness | Get up slowly when moving around quickly, especially when getting up from a sitting position. |
Non-physical, but emotional effects
Sometimes side effects can be felt not only in the body, but also in the mind.
- Emotional Blunting: Some people may feel less emotional, such as happiness or sadness, when taking this medication. It's as if their emotions have become dulled. The best way to deal with this is to seek psychotherapy. Exercise and massage therapy can also help increase serotonin levels and bring happiness to the mind.
- Reluctance to take medication: Some people feel like they have to rely on medication to stay well all the time. This can lead to them not taking their medication properly or stopping it altogether.
Remember, depression is not treated with medication alone. Medication is only one part of the treatment. Counseling is equally important.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor without delay. If necessary, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU).
- Thoughts of harming yourself or suicidal thoughts/attempts
- Increased depression and anxiety
- Feeling very restless or agitated
- Panic attacks
- Severe difficulty falling asleep
- New or increased irritability
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Seeing things that are not there or hearing things that are not there (Hallucinations)
- Temptation to do dangerous things
- Being unusually active
- Other unusual changes in behavior or mood
If you need to change the medicine...
If you can't tolerate the side effects of the medication you're currently taking, you can talk to your doctor about it and switch to another medication.
Most importantly: Never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can worsen your depression and cause withdrawal symptoms.
There are several ways to switch medications, but only your doctor can decide which method is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Medications for depression can cause side effects, but most of them are temporary or manageable.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any discomfort you feel, no matter how minor. Don't be shy.
- Do not suddenly stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice for any reason.
- It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage for you, so be patient with your treatment.
- Medication is only one part of the treatment. Counseling is equally important.
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