Question:
What side effects do antidepressants cause?

I have recently sought out treatment for depression. I have had it many times in the past, but it usually would only last a month or so, but this has been going on for about 6 months. I have hit the bottom of the barrel, and my PCP suggested antidepressants and I was curious if anyone had any comments as to side effects or efficacy. Thanks in advance.    — Tara J. (posted on June 17, 2002)

June 17, 2002
hi. It's great you are seeking treatment. Each anti-depressant has their own side-effects, so it all depends what one you will be put on. Look for an e-mail from me.
   — Lezlie Y.

June 17, 2002
I agree that it is good to be getting help with your depression, and I agree that the side effects do depend on the medication - and can vary from person to person. You did not mention whether you are post-op or pre-op... If you are Post-op make sure the doctor (psychiatrist?) is aware of it, as it may affect how your system absorbs the pill. Some common side effects in general - weight gain or loss... Some shakiness in hands... dry mouth... And if it is not working - it can effect your moods a bit in unexpected ways. Also remember it can take a couple of weeks for the anti-depressants to kick in! Hope this helps!
   — Heather S.

June 17, 2002
I took zoloft for two years. In the beginning it made me sick to my stomach. that lasted for about a month and i took it at night so i didnt have to feel it. I also experienced dry mouth...but for only a couple of weeks. and the dreaded lack of sex drive. However, all of these side effects went away after a while. The benefits of the antidepressants outweigh any side effect that I experienced. They are not magic happy pills, and they do not take away all depression. The best way I can describe it is that they pick you up and take you to a point where you can and want to help yourself. It also lessened the extremes in my moods. Meaning, you can still feel when you are getting depressed, but it is more like a very slight down mood, and you can snap yourself out of it pretty quickly once you recognize it. Your friends and family will notice the drugs effect long before you will. It was a lifesaver for me. Good luck
   — RebeccaP

June 17, 2002
I also want to add, that Zoloft has a wicked withdrawl. If you forget to take it a couple of days in a row, you get very dizzy and not quite with the real world feelings. Be sure to take whatever drug you are prescribed, every day!
   — RebeccaP

June 17, 2002
Rebecca said something that took a very long time for me to find out during a recent battle with depression. "They are not magic happy pills, and they do not take away all depression. The best way I can describe it is that they pick you up and take you to a point where you can and want to help yourself. It also lessened the extremes in my moods. Meaning, you can still feel when you are getting depressed, but it is more like a very slight down mood, and you can snap yourself out of it pretty quickly once you recognize it." Unfortunately, my progress was delayed by a doctor who was "playing" psychiatrist (a pulmonlogist I saw for sleep apnea). For a year and a half he had me convinced I was not simply depressed, but that I was manic depressive. He had me on a host of antidepressants and anti-psychotics, mood elevators, whatever. I am now simply on 40mg of Celexa and feeling better than I have in several years. When I first saw the pulmonologist I was on 20mg of Prozac. Come to find out, from my own research and dealing with an actual psychiatrist, Prozac can sometimes make a depressed person feel a bit manic. Plus, I was under tremendous stress from my failed marriage and a job loss -- I needed stress management/counseling. You really DO have to work at it with your meds and often with counseling...or at least someone you trust to open up to. Some people are able to work at it without meds. I have come to accept that right now I do need a little something to help. But who knows, I may not need it after weight loss surgery? If I still do, then I will be prepared to deal with that. The best advice I can give is to know your body and your mind -- know yourself. Trust your instincts, and speak up for yourself. Many of us with depression really do have low self-esteem, no matter how good we may be at hiding it sometimes. Best of luck to you. - Anna
   — Anna L.