Side Effects of Depression Drugs

Living with depression can be difficult and draining.  However, there are different methods of treating depression and these include drug therapy.  Treatment for depression is necessary to make life better for sufferers of the condition.  Symptoms of depression can leave a person feeling sad, exhausted, feeling rejected or worthless, in despair, aggravated, pessimistic and possessing other negative emotions. Suicidal thoughts can also be experienced by someone living with depression.

People who have been diagnosed with depression may be prescribed depression drugs, such as anti-depressants, by a physician or psychiatrist.  Anti-depressants can alleviate depression symptoms by influencing the chemical and hormonal balance in the brain.  This imbalance is said to be a major exhibit in depression patients.  It is also the reason why other treatment methods like acupuncture and getting enough sleep are able to affect depression symptoms.  Despite the relief from depression drugs, there are also side effects from these drugs.

Depression drug side effects depend on the type of drug prescribed.  For example, anti-depressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have side effects that include drowsiness, nausea, insomnia and low sex drives.  Although some side effects may fade as the body becomes accustomed to the medication, other side effects may linger.  Other SSRI drug side effects are tremors or tingling sensations, weight fluctuations, exhaustion, anxiety, restlessness, dry mouth and throat, constipation, headaches and dizziness.

Some depression drugs can also appear to make depression worse.  This is one of the reasons people taking depression medication should be closely monitored.  Some depression medications have explicit warning labels about these side effects and may also include warning about the potential for increased tendencies towards suicidal thoughts.  It is also important to prescribe depression medication only to the appropriate person or group.  Young adolescents may not be able to tolerate the side effects of depression and the drugs can do more harm than good for certain individuals.  Also, older people such as those above the age of 65 can experience falls and fragile bones as a result of some depression medications.  Pregnant women may not be given anti-depressants towards the last trimester of their pregnancy as such drugs can generate symptoms of a weak cry and respiratory problems in the newborn.

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This entry was posted on Friday, February 11th, 2011 at 11:39 am and is filed under Depression. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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