Approximately 14% of Australians are currently taking antidepressants for depression or related mental health conditions, with another 5% taking an alternative medication. These numbers are growing every year.
As our understanding of mental health conditions increases, so do the number of people seeking treatment and the number of prescriptions being written. It is now quite common to take medication like antidepressants mid-to-long term to treat mental health conditions, usually alongside other treatments like therapy. For most people, antidepressants (when prescribed and taken properly) are perfectly safe. However, like all medications, there can be side effects. In this blog, we will discuss common antidepressant side effects, what is normal and what is not, and the different ways they can be managed.
Why & When Antidepressants Are Prescribed
Antidepressants are prescribed primarily to treat moderate to severe depression, as well as other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sometimes chronic pain or sleep disorders.
In the vast majority of cases, antidepressants (and alternative medications) are prescribed by a GP after a thorough assessment of a patient’s symptoms and medical history. Australian guidelines recommend that medication should be reserved for use in moderate to severe cases of depression or in cases when non-drug treatments haven’t been effective. Many people presenting with mild depression or anxiety symptoms are often referred to psychological therapy or TMS therapy for depression as the first point of treatment. This is often continued even if antidepressants are prescribed at a later stage.
In some situations, however, it won’t be advisable for antidepressants to be prescribed for someone looking to get out of depression – this could be due to other medications being taken, tolerance not being right, or the patient preferring not to.
What Are The Alternatives To Antidepressants?
If someone cannot or does not want to take antidepressants, there are other medications that can be prescribed. Common alternatives to antidepressants include antipsychotics, psychostimulants, anxiolytics, or sedatives.
These are most often prescribed in cases where depression is not the stand-alone issue, there are concerns about medication tolerances, or there is more than one mental health condition a GP is concerned about.
There are also non-medical treatments available, including therapy and lifestyle changes.
The Most Common Antidepressant Side Effects
Side effects can change depending on the type of antidepressant or medication that has been prescribed. Some people also experience more or worse side effects than others. Some of the most common antidepressant side effects (regardless of the type of antidepressant being taken) include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Sexual problems (including changes in libido or erectile dysfunction)
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Insomnia or excessive drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety or agitation
- Fatigue or weakness
- Excessive sweating
- Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea or constipation)
Many of those who experience side effects only do so for a few weeks, while they adjust to the new medication. However, some side effects, like weight gain or sexual dysfunction, can last for the duration of the time the medication is being taken.
How Can You Manage These Side Effects?
The side effects aren’t necessarily a sign that antidepressants aren’t working, but they can be annoying, disruptive, or even impact your daily life. How you manage the side effects will depend on how severe they are and how they impact your quality of life.
The most important thing is to NOT stop taking the medication. Many side effects will subside after a few weeks, or can be managed with simple lifestyle changes (like taking medication at a different time of day if it’s making you drowsy or making changes to your diet). If side effects persist past a few weeks or are significantly impacting your day-to-day life, you should speak to your prescribing doctor. They can then potentially:
- Adjust your dose
- Switch you to another medication
- Add an adjunctive treatment for specific symptoms
- Suggest more specific coping strategies tailored to your individual circumstances
Effectively Integrating Medication Into Your Treatment Journey
While antidepressants can be a highly effective treatment for moderate to severe depression and related conditions, they do come with potential side effects that vary from person to person. Understanding what’s normal, what’s manageable, and when to seek further support is key to navigating treatment successfully.
For those who cannot tolerate antidepressants or prefer alternative approaches, there are other medication options and non-drug therapies available. If you’re experiencing ongoing or disruptive side effects, the most important step is to speak with a GP or Australian psychiatrist – treatment should work with you, not against you. With the right support, it’s possible to find a balance that supports both your mental health and overall well-being.