Minimizing and managing antidepressant side effects

• Published in: The journal of clinical psychiatry Vol. 56 Suppl 2; p. 49
• Main Authors: McElroy, S L, Keck, Jr, P E, Friedman, L M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1995
• Subjects: Akathisia, Drug-Induced - drug therapy; Antidepressive Agents - adverse effects; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases - therapy; Bipolar Disorder - chemically induced; Bipolar Disorder - drug therapy; Cardiovascular Diseases - chemically induced; Cardiovascular Diseases - drug therapy; Depressive Disorder - drug therapy; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Headache - chemically induced; Headache - drug therapy; Humans; Parasympathetic Nervous System - drug effects; Patient Compliance; Patient Education as Topic; Quality of Life; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - drug therapy; Sleep - drug effects; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders - chemically induced; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0160-6689; 1555-2101

Side effects often complicate the use of antidepressants for treatment of patients with major depression. Aggressive minimization and management of antidepressant side effects may relieve discomfort and distress, improve quality of life, enable clinicians to use appropriate medications at therapeutic doses, improve compliance, and thus enhance overall outcome. In this article we present recommendations for the management of side effects associated with antidepressant medications. Specifically, strategies are provided for the management of anticholinergic, cardiovascular, sedative, and activating side effects. Strategies for the management of antidepressant-associated insomnia, hypomania and mania, sexual dysfunction, appetite stimulation and weight gain, cognitive impairment, and parathesias are also discussed.