Managing the Side Effects of Anti-Depressant Medication
This is a list of some common side effects that you may encounter with anti-depressant medication and some ideas
about how to manage and cope with the side effects. Not all side-effects may be listed. Please consult your physician to
talk about how to manage these problems.
Side Effect
Nausea
Increased Appetite
& Weight Gain
Sexual Side Effect
Description
Nausea typically begins within a
week of beginning an antidepressant
but often goes away within a couple
of weeks.
Weight gain may be caused by fluid
retention, lack of exercise, or
increased appetite. Certain
antidepressants (Wellbutrin and
some SSRIs) are less likely to cause a
lot of weight gain.
Sexual side effects include a
decreased sexual drive, erectile
dysfunction, delayed ejaculation and
decreased orgasm. These side effects
can last while on anti-depressant
medication.
Fatigue/Drowsiness Fatigue and drowsiness are very
common, especially during the early
weeks of being on anti-depressants.
Dizziness
Insomnia
Certain anti-depressants can cause
low blood pressure which results in
dizziness. This is more common in
older people.
Some anti-depressants give an extra
energy boost which may result in
insomnia. It may sound appealing
but can also make it difficult to get to
sleep/stay asleep and might make
you tired during the day.
How to manage
 Take medication with food
 Eat smaller and more frequent meals
 Drink plenty of fluids (cool water, unsweetened fruit juice)
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Eat healthy foods (plenty of fruit & vegetables, whole grains) &
reduce your sweets, sugary drinks and fast foods
Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
Ask for advice from a nutritionist or dietician
Some medications only require a once-a-day dose; schedule
sexual activity before taking that dose
Talk to your doctor about taking a medication intended to
directly treat sexual dysfunction
Talk to your doctor about taking “breaks” from your
medication: stopping the medication for a day each week
Take a short nap during the day
Get some mild exercise (walking)
Avoid driving/operating machinery until the fatigue passes
Take the medication 1-2 hours before going to bed
Move slowly and take your time from sitting or standing
positions
Use handrails, canes, or other items for support
Avoid driving or operating machinery
Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
Drink plenty of fluids
Take medications at bedtime
Take medication in the morning
Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks
Get regular exercise at least 4-5 hours before going to bed
Develop a relaxing bedtime routine
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is another common
side effect but it usually goes away
within a couple of weeks. Vision
becomes blurred because eyes get
dried out.
Constipation is often associated with
antidepressants that block the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine which
disrupts normal functioning of the
digestive tract.
Constipation
Agitation,
Restlessness,
Anxiety
Medication can occasionally cause
agitation, restlessness and anxiety. It
may mean that you have trouble
sitting or can’t relax. Be alert for
racing thoughts or impulsive
thoughts. If these do develop then
talk to your doctor right away.
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Sip water or suck on ice chips regularly throughout the day
Chew sugarless gum/suck on sugarless hard candy
Breathe through your nose (not your mouth)
Brush your teeth twice a day
Get an eye exam to rule out other causes of eye problems
Talk to your doctor about eye-drops to relieve dryness
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Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
Eat high-fibre foods (fruits & vegetables, brans & whole
grains)
Exercise regularly
Take a fibre supplement or consider taking a stool softener if
other measures do not work
Vigorous exercise (biking, jogging, aerobics)
Practice deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation
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