Antidepressants: The Negatives

While antidepressants offer many benefits to those suffering from depression or other mental illness, it is important to thoroughly investigate the consequences of taking any prescription medicine.

Side Effects

All medicines have the potential for side effects. The good thing about side effects in relation to antidepressants is they generally appear during the initial course of treatment and gradually fade as treatment progresses. However, there is a plethora of side effects patients may experience.

A sampling of side effects includes upset stomach, dizziness, sweating, dry mouth, and difficulty sleeping. Changes in appetite and feelings of anxiety have also been listed as potential side effects. When taking Wellbutrin XL, there is also potential for seizures. This potential increases as the dosage rate goes up, so it is important for patients to monitor themselves and consult with their doctor if they have any questions. If you have a history of seizures, you should discuss your options with your doctor.

Antidepressants also sometimes cause weight gain and/or a decreased sex drive. Fortunately, as medical technology improves, there is a better variety of drugs available that feature decreased risk of these side effects.

Other Considerations

It is unwise to drink alcohol when taking antidepressants. Taking antidepressants may lower your resistance to alcohol and cause you to become intoxicated more easily. Consuming alcohol may also make your dosage ineffective. Also, it is important to remember that alcohol is a depressant.

Patients should also remember to consult their doctor before taking any other medications. If you must take another prescription medication, or if you consume an herbal supplement like St. John’s Wort or Echinacea, talk to your doctor to make sure your antidepressants will not interfere with your other medications. If you are taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), it is imperative to consult your doctor before taking any other medications or over-the-counter medicines to prevent a potentially dangerous reaction.

In order to avoid a relapse, patients should not stop taking their medications until ordered to do so by their doctors. Your doctor will help you gradually stop your medication when you both feel it is the right time. Stopping medication too soon could result in your actually having to take the medicine for a longer period.