10 Depression Medication Side Effects To Be Aware Of

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox
Updated March 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Depression is a serious mental health condition that typically doesn’t resolve without professional treatment. Over the years, several effective prescription medications have been developed that may provide research-backed benefits for those living with depression. Depending on the individual and the specific medication, they may help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes during other forms of treatment like therapy. 

That said, it’s not uncommon for there to be side effects of depression medication. It can be important for you to know about them if these medications are or may become part of your treatment plan. Here, we'll talk about some of the most widely used medications for depression treatment, some of the most common side effects that can accompany them, and how you might manage these complications if they’re impacting you.

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Types of depression medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and more

The first-line treatment for short-term or chronic depression is typically psychotherapy, which is sometimes recommended in combination with medication. There are various types of antidepressants that may be prescribed to manage depressive symptoms. The main categories are:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 

The purpose of most antidepressants is to help control the individual’s mood, increase energy, and prevent relapse. Typically, they do this by altering levels of neurotransmitters—like serotonin and noradrenaline—that are often deficient in those who experience depressive disorders. 

If you’re living with depression and your healthcare professional decides that prescription medication may be an appropriate part of your treatment, many factors will likely go into their decision of the right antidepressant for you. They may look at family history, existing medical conditions, and any other medications you’re currently taking. If one antidepressant does not yield the desired results after a certain period of time, your doctor or psychiatrist might change the dose, switch you to a different antidepressant, or prescribe an additional medication to address treatment-resistant depression.

10 common side effects of depression medication

While both common and atypical antidepressants are generally considered to be safe, adverse reactions can occur. According to the FDA, side effects are “unwanted undesirable effects that are possibly related” to a given medication. Many antidepressants are designed to change the chemical composition of the brain, which can lead to improvements in depression symptoms but may also alter other important functions in the body. While these side effects can be mild in some cases, they can significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life and impact their mental and physical health in others. Below are 10 of the most common side effects, which may range in severity.

Note that it can be dangerous to engage in changing, starting, or stopping antidepressants without the immediate advice of a qualified doctor or psychiatrist. It can put you at risk for serotonin syndrome, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, and at increased risk of suicide. If you’re experiencing unwanted side effects, be sure to consult with your care provider first and take your medication as prescribed until then.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.

  1. Headaches

Headaches are one possible side effect of common medications that may be prescribed to treat depression. In one meta-analysis, researchers suggested that only two of the many common types of antidepressants correlated to an increase in headaches and that other instances may be coincidence. In fact, other types of antidepressants may even be prescribed to treat migraines in extreme or rare cases. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing headaches caused by your antidepressant, your doctor may recommend certain over-the-counter pain relievers or alter your dosage. 

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  1. Weight gain

The changes in neurotransmitter levels—specifically serotonin levels—brought on by new antidepressant use can lead an individual to feel satiated, which can reduce appetite and cause weight loss in the short term. Over the long term, however, an individual may experience increased food cravings, which can lead to weight gain. Significant, unmanaged weight gain has the potential to cause or exacerbate diseases related to obesity and create a variety of other physical health challenges. 

Balanced eating patterns and regular exercise may help you mediate these effects. You might also consider adding nutrient-rich foods—like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds—to your meals as often as possible. To experience the benefits of physical activity, you might try going for frequent walks, following along with dance videos, taking up a sport, or joining a gym.

  1. Insomnia

Increased levels of serotonin can alter the brain’s ability to control sleep, which may cause someone on an antidepressant to struggle with falling and staying asleep. Changes in sleep patterns are already one of the common symptoms for people who live with depression, so this potential side effect of antidepressants can be particularly troublesome. Practicing good sleep hygiene like limiting caffeine and alcohol, going to bed and waking up around the same time every day, and engaging in a soothing routine like having a cup of tea and doing a progressive muscle relaxation exercise may help if you’re experiencing sleep problems.

  1. Dizziness

Lightheadedness, loss of balance, and similar sensations have been reported by people taking certain forms of depression medication—particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants. Thought to be the result of a drop in blood pressure, dizziness is also associated with the sudden cessation of SSRI use, which is one of many reasons it’s crucial to ask your doctor before starting or stopping any medication. It commonly manifests as a head rush, which can be dangerous in certain situations. If you’re experiencing this side effect, avoiding sudden movements, limiting alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that may cause temporarily high blood pressure, and using supports when getting up could help. 

  1. Fatigue

Those who experience fatigue as a result of antidepressants typically notice it within the first few weeks of taking a new medication, though it can persist for much longer. It is considered a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Fatigue can be a difficult side effect to deal with, especially if it occurs while you're at work or doing something that requires extended periods of concentration. If you’re experiencing fatigue, your doctor may adjust your medication. A well-timed, 30-minute power nap can also help you focus and give you more energy. 

  1. Sexual dysfunction

Challenges with arousal, libido, and other aspects of sexual function are frequently reported by those taking antidepressants. In a study of 137 people on SSRIs, 39% reported experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction

If you’re experiencing sexual problems due to antidepressant use, your doctor may prescribe a different medication or alter the current dosage. Taking certain natural supplements, such as maca root and ginkgo biloba, may also provide sexual health benefits that may alleviate these concerns. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.  

  1. Gastrointestinal distress

Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, and other stomach flu-like symptoms are common side effects of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These complications are often especially noticeable early in treatment while the body is adjusting to a new chemical compound. While antidepressant-related stomach pain will often go away over time, it can persist in some cases. 

If you’re experiencing these side effects, your doctor may direct you to take your antidepressant with food, though this will depend on your specific medication and symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating fiber-rich foods, and using antacids may help alleviate gastrointestinal distress as well. 

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  1. Anxiety

Despite the fact that antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety, the increase in serotonin levels produced by an antidepressant can cause an individual to become easily agitated, jittery, and fearful, particularly early on. If you’re experiencing this side effect, your doctor may decide to switch your medication or change your dosage.

  1. Dry mouth

Thought to be the result of alterations in salivary gland function, dry mouth is a common antidepressant side effect—particularly with tricyclic antidepressants. It seems to affect elderly people more frequently than other populations. Drinking plenty of water can help lubricate the mouth, and chewing sugar-free gum can help produce more saliva. 

  1. Changes in blood sugar levels

Fluctuations in glycemic levels have been found in those taking certain antidepressants. There is evidence that certain medications (e.g., trazodone and escitalopram) may decrease blood sugar, while others (e.g., sertraline) may increase it. This side effect can be particularly noticeable for those who live with a condition that already affects their blood glucose, like diabetes or hypoglycemia. Dizziness, weakness, or excessive fatigue could all be related to changes in blood sugar levels.

Addressing depression symptoms in therapy 

Research suggests that a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be the most effective treatment course for individuals with depression. There is also evidence that online platforms may be an efficacious method of offering mental health care to those who may not have providers in their area or who simply prefer the convenience of attending therapy from home. One literature review suggests that online therapy may reduce depression symptoms with a “lower cost and greater convenience than traditional therapy.”

If you would like additional support as you navigate depression symptoms or the side effects of depression medication, online therapy may be worth exploring. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed therapist remotely, which can be helpful if depression makes leaving home difficult. You can also contact your therapist outside of sessions, so if you have a question about your symptoms, you can send them a message and they’ll respond when they’re able. 

Takeaway

Medication can be an important component of treatment for some people with depression, but these prescriptions can also create complex side effects that may present additional mental and physical health challenges. Understanding the potential side effects of depression medication can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions regarding treatment. Remember to take your medication exactly as directed, to not start or stop taking it without your doctor’s approval, and to seek immediate care if you begin experiencing confusion, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, or seizures, as these could indicate a serious reaction, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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