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Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects

By Mayo Clinic staff

Introduction

Antidepressants can cause unpleasant side effects. Symptoms such as nervousness, headache and upset stomach are common initially. For many people, these improve within a few weeks of starting an antidepressant. In some cases, however, antidepressants cause side effects that don't go away.

Talk to your doctor or mental health provider about any side effects you're having. Rarely, antidepressants can cause serious side effects that need to be treated right away.

If side effects seem intolerable, you may be tempted to stop taking an antidepressant or to reduce your dose on your own. Don't do it. Your symptoms may return, and stopping your antidepressant suddenly may cause a withdrawal-like reaction.

Click on the tabs at the left to see coping strategies for the most common antidepressant side effects.

References
  1. Katon W, et al. Initial treatment of depression in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
  2. Bostwick JM. A generalist's guide to treating patients with depression with an emphasis on using side effects to tailor antidepressant therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85:538.
  3. Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/medications/complete-publication.shtml. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
MH00062 Dec. 9, 2010

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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