If you suspect mild hyponatraemia, you should call your GP for advice and stop taking SSRIs for the time being. Hyponatraemia can be treated by feeding a sodium solution into the body through an intravenous drip. Long-term use of SSRIs and TCAs has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes , although it's not clear if the use of these antidepressants directly causes diabetes to develop.

It may be that the weight gain some people using antidepressants experience increases the risk of them developing type 2 diabetes. In rare cases, some people experience suicidal thoughts and a desire to self-harm when they first take antidepressants.

Young people under 25 seem particularly at risk. It may be useful to tell a relative or close friend if you've started taking antidepressants and ask them to read the leaflet that comes with your medicines. You should then ask them to tell you if they think your symptoms are getting worse, or if they're worried about changes in your behaviour.

Page last reviewed: 4 November Next review due: 4 November Home Mental health Talking therapies, medicine and psychiatry Medicines and psychiatry Antidepressants Back to Antidepressants. Side effects - Antidepressants. SSRIs and SNRIs Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors SNRIs can include: feeling agitated, shaky or anxious feeling and being sick indigestion and stomach aches diarrhoea or constipation loss of appetite dizziness not sleeping well insomnia , or feeling very sleepy headaches loss of libido reduced sex drive difficulties achieving orgasm during sex or masturbation difficulties obtaining or maintaining an erection erectile dysfunction These side effects should improve within a few weeks, although some can occasionally persist.

Tricyclic antidepressants TCAs Common side effects of TCAs can include: dry mouth slight blurring of vision constipation problems passing urine drowsiness dizziness weight gain excessive sweating especially at night heart rhythm problems arrhythmia , such as noticeable palpitations or a fast heartbeat tachycardia The side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body begins to get used to the medicine.

Potential health risks Serotonin syndrome Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon, but potentially serious, set of side effects linked to SSRIs and SNRIs. Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. They work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain.

Examples of antidepressants include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and NaSSAs. MAOIs may also be an option, though doctors prescribe these less often due to the risk of adverse side effects. It can take several weeks for antidepressants to start working. People may experience side effects. Alternatives to antidepressants include therapy, diet and exercise, and St.

However, depression is a serious condition that may need professional treatment. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of depression should speak with a doctor.

Antidepressants can help manage the symptoms of depression, but they can be difficult to stop. Find out what to expect and get some tips on managing…. There are various pros and cons of taking antidepressants.

Understanding these can help an individual decided whether antidepressants are right for…. How do antidepressants cause sexual side effects and what are the side effects in men and women? Which antidepressants cause fewer sexual side effects? Doctors often use antidepressants as an off-label treatment for chronic pain.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. All about antidepressants. Medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP — By Christian Nordqvist and Amanda Barrell — Updated on January 26, Types Side effects Efficacy Alternatives How they work Taking effect FAQ Summary Antidepressants can help relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Side effects. Call or the local emergency number, or text TALK to to communicate with a trained crisis counselor. Stay with the person until professional help arrives. Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects. Was this helpful? Alternative options.

How do antidepressants work? How long will it take for them to take effect? Frequently asked questions. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. These are known as atypical antidepressants.

Instead, it works to increase norepinephrine and dopamine. Compared with other antidepressants, bupropion is less likely to cause weight gain. In fact, weight loss is a common side effect. Bupropion is also less likely to cause sexual problems.

In rare cases, bupropion can cause seizures, especially when used in high doses. Mirtazapine increases the effects of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in your brain in a different way than other antidepressants.

Like SARIs, mirtazapine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. As a result, mirtazapine may be used for those who have depression and trouble sleeping.

Mirtazapine can also cause increased appetite, making it more likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants. Vilazodone is less likely to cause weight gain than many other antidepressants, such as SSRIs and TCAs.

Some people who take vilazodone have sexual problems, such as low sex drive or erectile dysfunction, but this seems to be less common with vilazodone compared to SSRIs and SNRIs.

Vortioxetine is sometimes called a multimodal antidepressant. It functions somewhat like an SSRI, but has additional effects on serotonin levels.

Vortioxetine is more likely to cause sexual side effects than many other antidepressants. The chart below is a general comparison of the some of the more common side effects associated with different antidepressants. Some antidepressants, including SSRIs, may cause an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions.

This risk is higher in children, teenagers, and young adults. You and your family members, caregivers, and healthcare provider should watch for any new or sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any changes.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at There are many types of antidepressants. Each comes with its own list of potential side effects. Before starting any new medication, let your healthcare provider know about any other medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, such as St.

If you drink alcohol, make sure to also ask about any potential interactions it might have with your medication. In addition to side effects, antidepressants can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Seek immediate medical treatment if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling in your face, tongue, or throat. Sexual side effects, like erectile dysfunction, are common complaints of taking antidepressants.

Most prescription antidepressants are part of a drug…. Antidepressants are used to treat symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and other mood disorders. But can you accidentally overdose? Are they safe? Switching antidepressants needs to be done carefully and with the help of your doctor.

Learn more here. New research is showing that combining antidepressants with medications for other mood disorders can be effective in helping people manage their….

We talk with Dr. Reid Robison, a leading expert on psychedelic treatment for depression. We examine how it may work and how to get involved. Some research shows St.