Potential Side Effects of Drugs to Treat Depression
Examples of effective and safe medications commonly prescribed for depression or depression-related problems are listed in the chart below.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are some of the first antidepressants used to treat depression.
Sample the drug name: Anafranil, Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Pertofrane, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Vivactil.
Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, increased fatigue and sleepiness, weight gain, muscle twitching (tremors), constipation, bladder problems such as urine retention, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, increased heart rate, sexual problems.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another early form of antidepressant. These drugs are most effective in people with depression who do not respond to other treatments.
Sample the drug name: Parnate, Nardil, Marplan.
Potential Side Effects: Serious side effects may include: headache, heart racing, chest pain, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs
Sample the drug name: Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft
Potential Side Effects: Sexual problems including low sex drive or inability to have an orgasm are common but reversible, dizziness, headaches, nausea right after a dose, insomnia, feeling jittery.
Sources and Additional Information:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/antidepressants