Getting antidepressants is frequently the first step on a lengthy path. Once you start taking these drugs, you usually have to keep taking them for months or even years before you can safely stop. Antidepressants are quite good at treating depression, but they can also have a lot of adverse effects. You should always taper them off under a doctor’s care.
On September 22, Dr. Kunal Sood, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine doctor, talked about these less well-known problems in an Instagram video. He talked about the pros and cons of using antidepressants.
“Big studies show that SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, make people with serious depression feel better. Dr. Sood says, “They are prescribed as part of multimodal treatment plans, but they have a lot of side effects. So, talk to your doctor to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks.”
Side Effects That Happen Often With Antidepressants
- Gaining Weight “Ongoing use is linked to higher odds of significant weight gain over months to years, with risk differing by drug,” says Dr. Sood. He says that escitalopram and paroxetine are more likely to cause weight gain because they change appetite, affect metabolism, and help people regain weight they lost before.
- Sexual Side Effects
Studies indicate that 25% to 80% of patients on SSRIs experience sexual side effects. “These include less desire, trouble getting aroused, or trouble having an orgasm, and they are a common reason for stopping.” Dr. Sood says that having these affects after discontinuing the medicine is uncommon. - Dulling of Emotions
Some patients say they feel emotionally “flattened” or numb. “Surveys show that this affects a significant minority, but it can be hard to tell if it’s just residual depression,” he says. - Sweating at night
Night sweats are frequently noted with antidepressants. Dr. Sood says, “Primary care studies show that SSRIs are linked to night sweats, especially in older adults.” - Symptoms of Withdrawal
Stopping antidepressants quickly is not safe. When you stop taking drugs, you may feel dizzy, anxious, irritable, and have “zaps” in your senses. Dr. Sood says that a recent meta-analysis indicated that about 15% of people have this problem, although other reviews say that number is higher. Longer, slower tapers minimize the risk. Dr. Sood says that when you start taking antidepressants, you should be sure that the advantages exceed the risks. You should also always talk to your doctor about side effects and how to taper off. Please keep in mind that this material is only for informational purposes and is not a replacement for expert medical advice.