The side effects of medication for depression
Side effects
can occur with all medications, not just psychotropic medications. In
depression, however, medications are taken for long periods, and thus,
some side effects may not be tolerable because of the duration of
treatment required. Side effects vary both within a class of medications
and between classes. Typically, one class of medications shares similar
side effects; however, if one medicine within a class causes a specific
side effect (e.g., nausea), it is not necessarily the case that another
medicine within the same class will cause the same side effect.
Some medications have rare but potentially serious side effects. Your
doctor should go over these with you. Some side effects can be useful in
certain situations. For example, in a person who has insomnia, a more
sedating antidepressant may be helpful when taken in the evening. In
someone with a poor appetite, a medication with an associated increase in
appetite may be desired.
Medication Discontinuation
Rather than discontinuing a medication when there is a suspected,
bothersome side effect, it is important to speak with your doctor first.
Some side effects are transient or can be easily alleviated by another
remedy (e.g., ibuprofen for headache). Stopping medications abruptly when
any side effect occurs may cause a discontinuation syndrome, as well as
may prematurely interrupt a potentially helpful treatment intervention.
If possible, it is best to remain on a treatment for at least a few days,
as some perceived side effects could be associated with unrelated
conditions (e.g., viral infection). Bear in mind that scientific studies
that compare an active medication to a placebo (sugar pill) have reported
"side effects" in the placebo group as well. If a suspected effect seems
dangerous for any reason, it certainly is most prudent to stop the
medication until you are able to speak with a doctor and if necessary
receive an evaluation in an emergency setting.
