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General Note:
Just about everything imaginable has been reported in people taking SSRIs. Most patients complain of only a few if any side-effects. The intended effects may take 2-6 weeks to onset.
The most common side effects are "gastro-intestinal", ie: feeling sick, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation which generally lasts only a few days.
Other side effects can include:
- Loss of appetite; weight loss.
- Increased appetite; weight gain.
- Allergic reactions.
- Dry mouth
- Irritability/anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Fits/convulsions
- Disturbance of sexual function (yet this is also a feature of depression)
- Sweating
- Bruising
- Manic or hypomanic behavior
- Abnormal movements
- Low sodium level
- Impaired performance of tasks requiring skill and coordination
Other things to keep in mind:
- Researchers note that the SSRIs don't work for 20 to 40 percent of depressed or anxious people who try them -- the same failure rate as the older antidepressants.
- Increased suicidal thoughts and violent behaviors have been linked to young people taking antidepressants. More on this.
- Severe kidney or liver disease could result in higher-than-normal blood levels of the SSRIs.
- Always remember to tell the doctor if you are allergic to anything.
- SSRIs shoul not be stopped suddenly. Discuss stopping them with your doctor. (This is usually after 3-6 months)
- A major advantage of SSRIs is that they are not so dangerous if someone takes an overdose.
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