Health
8 side effects of antidepressants
Antidepressants are often a key part of a treatment plan for managing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals and helping improve mood. However, like any treatment option, antidepressants also come with a few side effects. To help one make an informed decision when undergoing treatment involving the use of antidepressants, here are some of the common side effects one should know: 1. Serotonin syndrome This side effect is associated with certain types of antidepressants that can affect the serotonin levels in the body and cause imbalances. So, here, one may have excessive levels of serotonin. This is called serotonin syndrome. Although rare, this is a serious side effect that can lead to nausea, diarrhea, agitation, frequent bouts of frustration, high body temperature, shivering, and sweating. One may also experience twitching, headaches, tremors, muscle spasms, hyper-responsive reflexes, confusion, dilated pupils, delirium, rapid heartbeats, hallucinations, unexplained heart issues, and high blood pressure. Among the rarer and more serious symptoms of this condition are coma, convulsions, and recurring arrhythmia. This syndrome tends to have varying effects based on factors such as the person’s age, overall health, level of physical activity, and the presence of underlying health conditions.
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