All drugs that treat depression have side effects. The most widely-used--selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft))--can cause weight gain and diminish your sex drive. SSRIs may also cause dizziness, tremors, drowsiness, dry mouth and diarrhea or constipation. Some side effects fade after a few weeks while others may grow worse if you take a drug long-term. Sometimes, an antidepressant makes things worse—leading to agitation, anxiety, restlessness and hostility or to a deepening depression that can increase suicide risk. Contact the doctor immediately if you notice these in yourself or a loved one.

• Genetic differences help explain why people don’t experience the same side effects, at the same intensity, when taking antidepressants.
• People over age 65 who take SSRIs are also at increased risk for weakened bones, falls and bone fractures.
• “Atypical antidepressants” may cause constipation, dry mouth, appetite changes, weight gain or loss, sleepiness or agitation, sweating and strange dreams.
• These include bupropion (Wellbutrin), venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), mirtazapine (Remeron), trazodone (Desyrel), and nefazodone (Serzone).
• Tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors may cause drowsiness, dizziness, extra sun sensitivity and/or blurred vision.

Featuring the top 3 experts for this topic