Side Effcts Of Medications Used For Treating Depression
However, any unusual reactions or side effects or those that interfere with functioning should be reported to the doctor immediately. The most common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants, and ways to deal with them, are:
Dry mouth: it is helpful to drink sips of water; chew sugarless gum; clean teeth daily.
Constipation: bran cereals, prunes, fruit, and vegetables should be in the diet.
Bladder problems emptying the bladder may be troublesome, and the urine stream may not be as strong as usual; the doctor should be notified if there is marked difficulty or pain.
Sexual problems: sexual functioning may change; if worrisome, it should be discussed with the doctor.
Blurred vision: this will pass soon and will not usually necessitate new glasses.
Dizziness: rising from the bed or chair slowly is helpful.
Drowsiness: as a daytime problem this usually passes soon. A person feeling drowsy or sedated should not drive or operate heavy equipment. The more sedating antidepressants are generally taken at bedtime to help sleep and minimize daytime drowsiness.
The newer antidepressants have different types of side effects:
Headache: this will usually go away.
Nausea: this is also temporary, but even when it occurs, it is transient after each dose.
Nervousness and insomnia (trouble falling asleep or waking often during the night): these may occur during the first few weeks; dosage reductions or time will usually resolve them.
Agitation (feeling jittery): if this happens for the first time after the drug is taken and is more than transient, the doctor should be notified.
Sexual problems: the doctor should be consulted if the problem is persistent or worrisome.
It is critical to report any side effects that are negative and severely alter your life to your doctor immediately. Remember that for most medications there is a cycling that happens with most medications and your body will react to each one differently. It takes days and sometimes weeks for a new medication to take affect to where you can experience any sort of benefit.
Until the next time,
Warm regards
Gus Hoover
http://www.resourcefordepression.com
Gus Hoover is an expert on depression who has over 10 years of personal experience. Visit http://www.resourcefordepression.com and get a free copy of his eReport “Guide to Depression” and subscribe to his online newsletter to receive his latest tips, methods, and insight regarding depression, its causes and the treatments available.
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