Overview Of Antidepressants

Uncommon Uses

Antidepressants are most commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. However, doctors may use them 'off-label' to treat other mental health conditions on a case-by-case basis. For example, SSRIs and SNRIs may be used to treat some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Antidepressants could be considered for physical health conditions as well. Tricyclic antidepressants help reduce chronic pain for some patients, and they may also be prescribed for fibromyalgia patients. Doctors could consider prescribing either SSRIs or SNRIs for patients coping with menopausal symptoms and chronic pain caused by neuropathy too.

Since these uses are 'off-label,' patients may want to ask their doctor if other treatments could be tried first. Patients who use antidepressants for chronic pain might wish to consult with a counselor. They should always let their doctor know if their pain intensifies, moves, or changes in any way.

Side Effects to Watch For

All antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly in young adults. For this reason, the medication must have a black box warning on the label. The risk of suicidal thoughts is highest when patients have just started their medicine. Patients should report any suicidal thoughts or changes in mood to their doctor right away. In addition to this potential side effect, different types of this medication could cause various physical effects. For example, SSRIs and SNRIs could lead to low blood sugar and sodium. They may also cause sedation, insomnia, weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, and skin rashes. Some patients have reported dizziness, abnormal thinking, and agitation while taking these antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants may cause high blood pressure. Seizures have occurred in some patients who take this drug as well. Other potential side effects of this type of medication include an irregular heartbeat, abdominal cramps, anxiety, constipation, and increased eye pressure. Patients taking these medications may need to have their blood pressure, heart rhythm, and eye pressure monitored closely. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors could also produce seizures, high blood pressure, heartbeat irregularities, and anxiety. Patients taking them have reported blurred vision, edema, fainting upon standing, and headaches as well. Noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants could cause weight gain, blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, and constipation. They have also been associated with potentially serious side effects, such as seizures and reduced white blood cell counts.