Depression
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Side Effects of Antidepressants (Cont.)

Tricyclic Antidepressant Side Effects

The most common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:
 
(Click Side Effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants for more information).
 

Side Effects of MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not used much anymore, due to the possibility of dangerous side effects (especially if special food and drug restrictions are not followed strictly). Possible MAOI antidepressant side effects include:
 

Serious Side Effects of Antidepressants

All antidepressants can cause serious side effects. Fortunately, dangerous side effects are usually uncommon. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience any of the following side effects while taking antidepressants:
 
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (see Antidepressants and Suicide)
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
  • Hostility or aggressiveness
  • Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
  • Extreme elation or feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood
  • Other unusual changes in behavior
  • Hallucinations
  • Any unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Chest pain, dizziness, or fainting
  • Signs of serotonin syndrome, such as:
     
    • Confusion
    • Seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations)
    • Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
    • Feeling faint
    • Fever
    • Sweating
    • Muscle spasms
    • Difficulty walking
    • Diarrhea.
 
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
     
(Side Effects of Antidepressants Continued: Page 3)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;