Experts talk about the side effects of antidepressants

In today's world, everything happens very quickly and requires us to be constantly moving, focused, quick to react and enduring. The frantic rhythm of life leads to chronic fatigue and exhausts us not only physically but also mentally. An unstable emotional state and regular stress can lead to negative consequences. One of them is depression, a painful condition characterised by depression and loss of interest in anything.

Sometimes it can be difficult to resist nervous disorders without medical intervention, but depression medication should be taken with caution. OBOZREVATEL has analysed the available information and talked about the side effects of antidepressants and ways to overcome them.

Antidepressants can improve most symptoms, but depression, like any disease, should be treated by a specialist who will carefully examine the complaints, analyse the general condition of the body and the presence of chronic diseases, and prescribe effective therapy.

Usually, modern drugs are not harmful to health when used correctly, but they can cause unpleasant sensations that can be easily managed. Mayo Clinic experts named some of them.

Increased appetite and weight gain

You may gain extra pounds due to fluid retention in the body or increased appetite after the symptoms of depression are relieved. To help stabilise your weight during medication therapy, balance your diet with healthy foods, limit your intake of sweets and baked goods, and increase your daily physical activity.

Dizziness

Some antidepressant medications can lower blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness. In this case, it is better to take an antidepressant before bed. During the day, drink more water, reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption, and be more careful: get up slowly, hold onto handrails, avoid driving and operating machinery.

Nausea

As a rule, nausea is reported immediately after starting medication. After your body adjusts to the effects of the medication, this symptom will disappear.

To help ease your condition, use simple methods: try taking antidepressants with meals; suck on a sugar-free lollipop; drink more water; eat frequent but small meals; reduce the dosage of the drug or choose a slow-release medication.

Drowsiness and fatigue

In the first weeks of taking antidepressants, fatigue and sleepiness are common. If possible, give your body time to adjust: organise your day so that you have time to rest, don't plan too much, take breaks, etc. In addition, if allowed by your doctor and the instructions, take the drug at bedtime instead of in the morning.

Insomnia

Some medications can have the opposite effect and cause sleep problems. If this is the case, try taking the medication in the morning and consult a specialist about prescribing sedatives. In addition, reduce your caffeine intake during the day and do not exercise a few hours before your night's rest.

Constipation

Antidepressants sometimes disrupt the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other systems. If you experience constipation, enrich your diet with fibre-containing foods (fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains), drink plenty of water, and be active.

If this is not enough, consult a specialist about the additional prescription of fibre supplements and laxatives for a certain period of time.

Dry mouth

This symptom is the most common side effect of taking antidepressants. To eliminate it, follow these recommendations:

Drink water or moisturise your mouth regularly;

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, as they dry out the mucous membrane;

Take good care of your teeth and gums - tooth decay can cause dry mouth;

Chew sugar-free gum or suck on lollipops;

If necessary, consult your doctor about changing your medication.

Agitation and anxiety

Excessive anxiety may occur after starting depression medications. If this symptom occurs, try to use energy during sports, as well as practice deep breathing or muscle relaxation exercises or yoga. If necessary, ask for sedatives that can be combined with antidepressants.

Sexual disorders

Taking antidepressants can reduce libido or cause problems with getting or maintaining an erection or reaching orgasm. To eliminate such problems, doctors recommend:

Choose a drug that is taken once a day and schedule sexual activity for another time;

Honestly discuss side effects with your partner and gain his or her understanding and support;

Consult with your doctor about choosing a drug with fewer side effects, as well as temporary prescription of drugs to increase sexual desire and maintain an erection.

Antidepressants can eliminate most of the unpleasant symptoms of depression, but, like any medication, they have indications for use and side effects. Some of them are quite unpleasant, but they can be corrected. So don't hesitate to consult your doctor for more information and prescription of medication therapy, and follow his or her instructions in good faith for a speedy recovery.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you that lack of interest in life and irritability should be a warning sign. Psychologists say that such symptoms may indicate depression that requires treatment.