Side effects of antidepressants

September 15, 2025
Author: Dr. Majid Kehanifard
The article has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Majid Kehanifard

Antidepressants are generally used to treat all kinds of problems related to mental health, especially depression and reducing anxiety. By affecting brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, these drugs will be effective in improving mood as well as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

But on the other hand, there are concerns about side effects of antidepressants and in this article from Dr. Kihani Fard's clinic, we intend to address this well. عوارض جانبی را بررسی کرده و راه‌های کاهش آن را نیز به شما عزیزان ارائه دهیم. Stay with us until the end.

How do antidepressants work?

According to documents provided on the medical site Rx List, antidepressants generally treat symptoms such as mood swings, a lack of desire for things people used to enjoy, and lack of energy by changing the balance of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. In people with depression, brain cells do not have access to these types of chemical messengers in sufficient numbers; Therefore, antidepressants will increase the access of brain cells to these types of cases.

What are the side effects of antidepressants?

In order to better understand the side effects of taking antidepressants, it is better to have a detailed look at all the side effects of various drug groups in this field. Therefore, this grouping will be as follows:

Side effects of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants

According to the definitions provided on the medical website of the American Psychiatric Association, this group includes specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and their side effects are: Too much;

Encountering feeling sick and unwell;

Occurrence of indigestion and stomach pain;

Encountering diarrhea and constipation;

Loss of appetite in people;

Dizziness and headache;

Insomnia or feeling drowsy from my substances;

decrease in libido; difficulty reaching orgasm during sexual intercourse; encountering erectile dysfunction. They are as follows: Dry mouth; Mild blurred vision; Constipation or difficulty urinating; Drowsiness and dizziness; Weight gain; Increased body sweating, especially at night; Rapid heart rate or Fast heartbeat.

These types of side effects should subside naturally after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication.

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Dry mouth; Dizziness; Increased sweating; Anxiety and worry; Changes in appetite; Muscle aches; Digestive problems; Numbness or tingling of the muscles.

But these short-term side effects usually appear at the beginning of the treatment and may disappear with time.

Long-term side effects of using antidepressants

The long-term side effects of using antidepressants are as follows:

Significant increase in body weight;
Occurrence of disorders sexual; chronic fatigue; memory and concentration problems; increased risk of type 2 diabetes; changes in blood pressure; increased risk of heart disease; drug withdrawal syndrome; changes in mood.
Serious and chronic digestive problems;
Decreased quality of life;
Feeling dull or lethargic;
Increased risk of some cancers;
Chronic sleep disorders.

This is why the use of antidepressants under the supervision of specialist doctors in this field is of particular importance.

Interaction of antidepressants with other drugs and its effects

In order to investigate this discussion, it is necessary to first know that the use of antidepressants interferes with the use of other drugs. These drugs are as follows:

Anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines;
Analgesics such as opiates;
Antihypertensive drugs;
Antifungal drugs such as fluconazole;
Antiviral drugs such as HIV drugs;
Drugs that increase serotonin levels such as some drugs Painkillers and antidepressants;
anticonvulsant drugs;
hormonal drugs such as birth control pills;
hypnotic drugs.

But drug interactions with the mentioned items can cause serious effects on people's health. These effects will be as follows:

Increasing the amount of side effects: combining drugs can increase side effects;
Decreasing the effectiveness of the drug: some drugs can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants;
Increasing the level of drugs in the body: drug interaction may increase the drug in the blood and the risk lead to poisoning of the body;
Changes in metabolism: some drugs can change the metabolism of antidepressants;
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome: the combination of drugs that increase serotonin can lead to this dangerous syndrome;
Effects on blood pressure: some drugs They can raise and lower blood pressure;
Creating negative effects on heart function: combining drugs can lead to heart problems;
Changes in sleep: taking antidepressants with other drugs can affect your sleep pattern;
Decreasing or significantly increasing appetite: some drug interactions They can affect the appetite;
Changes in the mental state: drug interaction affects the mood and mental state of people.

Regarding the above mentioned cases, we insist that the drugs must be used under the supervision of a doctor and with his advice so that steps can be taken to reduce side effects.

How to reduce the side effects of antidepressants Dad?

To reduce the side effects of antidepressants, it will be necessary to consult a doctor first. The doctor may adjust the dosage of the drug or use an alternative drug. Also, starting treatment with a low dose and increasing it gradually can help reduce side effects.

On the other hand, following a balanced diet and increasing physical activity can also have a positive effect on reducing side effects. Keeping the body hydrated and consuming enough fluids will also help reduce dry mouth and digestive problems. Also keep in mind that the use of some stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga will be very useful to improve the mental state and reduce the side effects of antidepressants.

Conclusion

The use of antidepressants has always been associated with some side effects. Therefore, people are looking for a way to reduce the amount of these side effects, and in this article from the center of Dr. Kihani Fard's clinic, we tried to help you in this regard by examining more and better side effects of taking antidepressants and providing solutions to control the amount of side effects. We hope that the contents are useful and efficient. Thank you for being with us until the end.

Categories:

Depression Medications and Drug Treatments

Dr. Majid Kihani Fard Dr. Majid Kihanifard was born in 1352 in Isfahan. He completed his general medical education at Isfahan University and specialized neurology course at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and completed his knowledge and skills by completing a subspecialty fellowship in cerebrovascular surgery in Switzerland. He has always been a pioneer in providing new treatments and effective research, especially in the field of MS and stroke prevention, by emphasizing on increasing the health level of the society, informing the patients and respecting the patient. Dr. Kihanifared has been awarded the title of "Best neurologist in Isfahan" by the provincial medical system organization and has played an effective role in improving patient care services with applied research and advanced surgeries. Related Articles

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