Side Effects of Antidepressants

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Side Effects of Antidepressants

Side effects have played a significant role in the development

of SSRI’s. The first drug, iproniazid, was developed to fight

tuberculosis in the early 1950's, and had a noticeable side

effect on mood elevation. Soon it was known as a "happy drug".

This drug immediately gained attention from physicians and

depression researchers. At that time the only drug on the

market for depression was opium, which was a highly addictive

substance (Turkington 49-50). Ten years of specific drug

research to identify different models of nerve transmissions and

tailoring chemicals to affect these processes resulted in the

development of Prozac (Turkington,61).

"Eli Lilly and Co.'s (Prozac's manufacturer) official product

information acknowledges that tremors alone occur in 10% of

patients on Prozac. Any side effect occurring in 1% or more of

patients is acknowledged as "frequent" by the pharmaceutical

industry (Glenmullen). Some of these side effects that have

been reported are feelings of jitteriness, sleep problems

"tardive dyskinesia," and "sexual dysfunction". Other side

effects from Prozac include weight gain, tiredness, increased

appetite, feeling weak, sore throat, and trouble with

concentration (Smith).

Side effects of antidepressants fall in three different

categories: sedation; dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation,

urinary problems, increased heart rate, and memory problems; and

dizziness on standing up, orthostatic hypotension. Those that

interfere with dopamine, such as Effexor and Asendin, may

produce movement disorders and endocrine system changes.

Blocking serotonin may create stomach problems, insomnia, and

anxiety. The newer drug...

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...r,

and it's been great."

References

Boyles, S. (2005). Mixed results on antidepressants

and suicide. Web MD. News Feb, 18.

Janicak, P. G.,& Davis, J.M. (2001). Principles and

practice of psychopharmacotherapy (3rd ed.). New

York: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.

Glenmullen, J. (2000). Prozac: pro and Con,WebMD Feature June,2.

Mason, S. E. (2002). Prozac and crime: Who is the victim?

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry,72(3)445-455.

Rivas-Vazquez, R. A., & Blais, M.A. (2000). Sexual dysfunction

associated with antidepressant treatment. Professional

Psychology: Research and practice,31(6)641-651.

Smith, M. (2003). Medication for bipolar depression.

Approved WebMD Medical News December, 29.

Turkington, C.A., & Kaplan, E.F. (1994). Making the

prozac decision: Your guide to antidepressants. Los

Angeles: Lowell House.

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