How to Cope with the Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed class of medications in the United States, according to a recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Approximately 27 million Americans take, or have taken, antidepressants for the treatment of depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and other health problems. That means there are a great number of people trying to figure out how to cope with the common side effects of antidepressants during their treatment.

How to Cope with the Common Side Effects of Antidepressants: The Most Common Medications
The most commonly prescribed antidepressants fall into a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work on the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood and mental clarity, as well as affecting digestion, sleep and pain responses.

Commonly used medications in the SSRI class include:
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Citalopram (Celexa)

How to Cope with the Common Side Effects of Antidepressants
While each medication has its own list of side effects, there are several that are common to the overall group of SSRIs. Below is a list of these common antidepressant side effects and suggestions for dealing with each one.

Nausea

• Take the medication with food
• Eat small and frequent meals
• Suck on hard candy, especially peppermints (peppermint is a natural way to settle the stomach)
• Drink plenty of healthy fluids, such as water, fruit juice, or beverages with ginger (ginger is a natural way to relieve nausea)

Anxiety or restlessness

• Increase your physical activity, going for vigorous exercises such as jogging or aerobics
• Use deep breathing exercises
• Use muscle relaxation exercises
• Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication dose

Sexual side effects

• If taking a once-a-day medication, schedule your medication for after the most likely time you will be sexually active during the day.
• Use arousal increasing creams and lubricants (ask your doctor of pharmacist for helping in choosing one)
• Talk to your doctor about switching medications to one with less sexual side effects
• Talk to your doctor about adding a medication to counteract the sexual side effects

Dizziness

• Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
• Increase your fluid intake
• Take your medication before bedtime

Weight Gain

• Eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Cut back on sugary foods and drinks
• Limit fast foods
• Try for 30 minutes of exercise each day (break it down into several 10-minute sessions, if needed)

Weight loss due to lack of appetite

• Exercise before meals to help increase hunger
• Eat small meals several times a day instead of three big meals
• Include favorite foods at each meal to make eating more enjoyable

Fatigue or drowsiness

• Schedule time for a short nap during the day
• Increase physical activity using mild exercises, such as walking
• Schedule once-a-day medications for before bedtime

Insomnia

• Take your medication in the morning
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
• Exercise earlier in the day (at least 4 or 5 hours before bedtime)

Dry mouth

• Sip water or suck on ice chips throughout the day
• Chew gum or suck on hard candy
• Pay attention to your breathing, taking air in through your nose instead of your mouth

Diarrhea

• Avoid foods high in fat
• Eat mild foods that are low in fiber, such as rice, applesauce and yogurt

Constipation

• Drink at least eight glasses of water each day
• Eat a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, brans, and fresh produce (especially apples, prunes, broccoli and beans)
• Take fiber supplements
• Increase your exercise
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a stool softener, if needed

Headaches

• Headaches should go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If not, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.

Sources:
Archives of General Psychiatry
National Patterns in Antidepressant Medication Treatment

Mayo Clinic
Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects

WebMD
Depression: Dealing with medicine side effects

HelpGuide.org
What You Need to know About Depression Medication