Antidepressants: Sexual side effects and more

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Huynh Thi Hien - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Antidepressants are usually prescribed for people who are being treated for moderate to severe depression. When the drug is properly effective, combined with psychological counseling will work to reduce symptoms. But like other drugs, antidepressants also come with some side effects.

1. Antidepressants and side effects

Antidepressants work by changing the balance of certain chemicals in a person's brain. It is this change that can cause side effects such as anxiety, strange dreams, dry mouth, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away after 1-2 weeks, if there is no improvement then you should switch to another medication. However, some side effects such as decreased sex drive may last longer.
Not everyone who takes medication experiences the same side effects. And a particular antidepressant doesn't cause the same side effects in all users. Other factors, such as genetics or an existing health condition, can affect how the body responds to depression medication.
Therefore, drug users need to monitor side effects and work closely with doctors. Thus, the use of new antidepressants is safe, effective and minimizes side effects.

2. Common side effects

Medications for depression can sometimes cause a variety of unpleasant side effects, including:
Nausea Increased appetite and weight gain Decreased libido and other sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased orgasm Fatigue and drowsiness Insomnia Dry mouth Blurred vision Constipation Dizziness Excitement Irritability Anxiety, apprehension

2.1. Decreased sexual ability

Reduced interest in sex or decreased ability to orgasm is one of the side effects of antidepressants. Up to 50% of patients taking SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) experience an unusual sex-related symptom.
Remedies for sexual dysfunction may include taking another type of antidepressant or even medication for erectile dysfunction. Accordingly, you must not arbitrarily stop taking antidepressants without consulting your doctor. Stopping medication suddenly can cause serious problems, such as addiction or self-isolation.

2.2. Weight change

Another side effect of antidepressants is weight gain. Some patients have had a significant amount of weight change, possibly gain or loss, since taking medication for depression.
Some medical studies indicate that long-term use of antidepressants can lead to weight gain, as well as an increased risk of related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Weight gain, sexual weakness and decreased sex drive are possible side effects. Although manufacturers of new drugs often claim their products have fewer side effects, there isn't much data to back it up.
Several studies and practices suggest that bupropion (Wellbutrin), which affects the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, may cause less weight gain than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa) (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).
Medication can contribute to this side effect, but other factors, such as the person's normal eating habits, also play a role.

2.3. Affects sleep

Some antidepressants give you more energy, which may be appropriate for someone who often feels sleepy. In contrast, some other medications tend to cause drowsiness, which can be good for people with constant anxiety. For example, drugs like mirtazapine (Remeron), which can cause weight gain and sleepiness, may be appropriate for patients who have trouble sleeping or are thin.
If you feel drowsy while taking an antidepressant, talk with your doctor to choose a more appropriate medication.

3. Psychological counseling therapy

Psychotherapy is methods of improving mental health and well-being through communication. This approach is effectively combined with antidepressants, which are seen as an important part of the treatment of major depression.
Psychological counseling will help solve problems in the emotions and behavior of depressed people, identify negative things going on around life. This will help you understand where your negative emotions are coming from and get guidance on how to deal with them.
A lot of people are often afraid to confide in a stranger, but studies show that counseling therapy is very effective, with the outstanding advantage of not having the same side effects as when taking drugs. Talk therapy also makes it easier for symptoms to subside and for people to stick to a medication schedule more easily.
In general, the effects of psychotherapy in the treatment of depression are:
Help reduce and relieve stress Give the patient a new perspective on the problem Help the patient easily accept the truth Find a way to deal with the problem. cope with the side effects of antidepressants Learn to talk, express feelings, share thoughts with others Help detect early worsening depression Psychological and emotional stability for patients

4. Risk of suicide when taking antidepressants?

The Food and Drug Administration has asked manufacturers of antidepressants to include additional information about the risk of suicide in the leaflet that comes with the medication box. In particular, it has been noted that children, adolescents, and young adults with major depression or other mental disorders, are at increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior when taking antidepressants, especially during first month of treatment. Therefore, these patients should be carefully monitored.
Meanwhile, there is no risk of suicide in older patients. If you're over the age of 65, you're actually at a lower risk of suicide when taking medication for depression.
Having suicidal thoughts while taking an antidepressant is a serious side effect that should be supported by a doctor as soon as possible. The person should not try to deal with these feelings alone.
Most people with depression get better. You may need to try a few different antidepressants to find the one that works best for you. Applying psychological counseling therapy combined with medication is the most effective way to treat depression. Should work closely with the doctor and patiently follow the course to be cured successfully.
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Reference source: webmd.com