Antidepressants are prescribed by physicians for people with mild depression. Although these medications can significantly help when you are depressed, they can sometimes have severe side effects. This medication comes in different types and the side effects may differ from one type to another. When you experience severe side effects, it is advisable that you discontinue the use of that particular medicine. Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors or SSRI are one type of this medication.
SSRIs are widely known to have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and headaches. They are also said to decrease libido, induce failure to reach orgasm as well as other erectile problems. Another side effect is the serotonin syndrome which is a drug reaction that leads to self poisoning when certain foods or drugs are mixed in the body. When on SSRI, you may experience mood anesthesia which is characterized by lack of motivation, apathy and indifference. SSRIs are also said to increase suicidal tendencies. This is said to be true particularly in young people.
Tricyclic Antidepressants or TCA are another type. Some of the common side effects associated with this type are blurred vision, dry mouth and drowsiness. Other side effects are skin rashes, sexual problems and unstable weight.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOI are considered to have more severe side effects. The side effects include liver inflammations, heart attacks, strokes and seizure. If MAOIs are taken with foods that have tyramine, it can lead to a heart reaction. Examples of foods with tyramine include cured meats, mature cheeses and yeast extracts.
