Antidepressants can  do more bad than good for you, here's how

Moneycontrol News | July 05, 2024

Nausea and digestive issues: Many antidepressants can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms can vary in severity and may improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication

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Weight gain or loss: Antidepressants can alter appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain or loss. Weight changes can affect self-esteem and overall health, requiring dietary adjustments or additional medications

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Sexual dysfunction: A common side- effect includes decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, or erectile dysfunction. These issues can significantly impact quality of life and relationships

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Insomnia or sleep disturbances: Certain antidepressants may disrupt sleep patterns, causing insomnia, frequent waking, or excessive daytime sleepiness. Improving sleep hygiene, adjusting medication can help

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Fatigue and drowsiness: Feeling excessively tired or drowsy during the day is common with some antidepressants. This can impair daily functioning and require adjustments in dosage or timing under medical supervision

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Anxiety or nervousness: Initially, antidepressants may increase anxiety or nervousness before symptoms improve. Close monitoring in early stages of treatment is crucial to manage these temporary effects

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Increased risk of bleeding: Certain antidepressants can interfere with blood clotting mechanisms. It is heightened in individuals taking blood-thinning medications or with underlying clotting disorders

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Dependency: Abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, mood swings, dizziness, or sensory disturbances. Gradual tapering under medical supervision helps minimise these effects

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Serotonin syndrome: Rare but serious, in this, condition serotonin levels become dangerously high. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, high BP, fever, agitation, and confusion, requiring medical attention

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