Antidepressant Weight Gain and Other Side Effects

2007-04-17 10:41:55

( Health )



An antidepressant is a medication used to control clinical depression symptoms. The four major classes of antidepressants are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and atypical antidepressants.

SSRIs are usually the first-line medications. If SSRIs aren’t working, you may take TCAs or atypical antidepressants. TCAs are also given in the severely depressed. MAOIs are usually given to the elderly.

There are various antidepressant side effects. Some of them, such as nausea and vomiting, usually resolve in a few days; the rest, however, do not get resolved at all. Newer drugs have fewer side effects.

Tolerance is usually not experienced with antidepressants; you may, however, become dependent on the drug. If the drug is suddenly withdrawn, you are likely to experience adverse reactions, such as agitation and confusion. It is thus advised that the drug be tapered off before discontinuation.

Do not use antidepressants if you are allergic. If you are taking other drugs (including alcohol), inform your physician, as this may result in serious drug interactions. Certain diseases may also affect your response to the drug, such as a previous heart attack, hypertension and glaucoma.

In general, antidepressants have been linked with suicidal ideations; however, the relationship has not been fully established. Thinking about suicide is common after initiation of your treatment.

Also, antidepressants in bipolar disorder should be taken with mood stabilizers, as they tend to lead to stimulation, manifesting as insomnia and worsened manic episodes. If you are having trouble sleeping, take the medication in the morning. Also, avoid taking naps and drinking coffee.

On the other hand, you may also experience sedation, manifesting as dizziness or tiredness, when taking these drugs. Sedation usually lessens eventually, and taking your medication before bedtime may help.

Sexual dysfunction, including erectile problems and anorgasmia, may also occur, especially when you are using SSRIs.

Antidepressant weight gain is another side effect, especially when you are using TCAs. You may initially experience some antidepressant weight loss, but in the long-term, weight gain typically ensues. You can deal with antidepressant weight gain by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.

If you are taking MAOI, then you are at risk for a hypertensive crisis. This is caused by interaction of the drug with tyramine-rich foods, such as cheese, resulting in increased blood pressure. Avoidance of these foods and constant monitoring is needed to prevent this.

You may also experience seizures, especially when taking high doses of atypical antidepressants.

You may also experience other side effects, including:
• Photosensitivity and rash
• Low blood sodium levels
• Low blood sugar levels
• Anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, constipation
• Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
• Urine retention
• Blurred vision
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: diarrhea, fever, sweating, stiffness, tremors
• Seratonergic syndrome
• Kidney or liver impairment

If you experience any of these, consult your physician regarding a switch in medication, a reduction of the dose, or an addition of another drug to treat the side effects.


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