Antidepressants are meant for the management of depressive disorders such as clinical depression, bipolar depression, persistent depressive disorder (PDD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), atypical depression, seasonal affective disorder, bulimia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social phobia. Healthcare providers generally prescribe these in combination with psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address the root cause of depression. While antidepressants help manage these conditions, there are a few side effects to be aware of.

There are a few typical side effects of anti-depressants and some not-so-common side effects. These are mentioned below:

1. Typical side effects
Every individual may experience different reactions to antidepressants. Some of the most frequently occurring side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, decreased alertness, agitation, and anxiety. A few other symptoms also include loss of appetite, loss of libido, headache, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, tremors, and increased sweating.

2. Bleeding
Some antidepressants can affect the blood-clotting process, increasing the risk of bleeding. One may experience this in the form of frequent, easy bruising and nosebleeds.

3. Lower sodium levels
Antidepressants may also negatively impact the sodium levels in the body. This is more common among older people. Symptoms of low sodium levels (hyponatremia) include headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue, crankiness, restlessness, muscle cramps or weakness, and seizures.

4. Serotonin syndrome
This is a rare but fatal reaction to antidepressants. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, high temperature, shivering, sweating, tremors, muscle twitching, over-responsive reflexes, agitation, dilated pupils, confusion or delirium, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and high blood pressure. In more serious cases, individuals may also experience convulsions (fits), arrhythmia, or coma.

Reactions to antidepressants may depend on factors such as interactions with other treatment options, age, genetics, and the type of antidepressant. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) typically cause more reactions in comparison to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Strategies to cope with side effects
The side effects of antidepressants generally tend to improve within the first few weeks of starting them. However, they may sometimes require professional intervention or lifestyle changes.
Some strategies that may help one cope with these side effects include the following:

• Take the prescriptions with food unless specified otherwise. This will reduce the risk of nausea.
  
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Drink lots of fluids (especially water) throughout the day. This helps with nausea and dry mouth.
• Avoid consuming sweets and sugary beverages.
• Maintain a food diary to check if a particular food is causing a reaction.
• Engage in light exercise, such as walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or aerobics, to keep drowsiness at bay. This will also help reduce feelings of restlessness and anxiety.
• If the antidepressant causes insomnia, speak to the doctor about taking it during the day. Alternatively, if it causes drowsiness, take the antidepressant at night if the doctor approves.
• Avoid caffeinated food or drinks later in the day.
• Eat low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Those experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness must use handrails or canes for support, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, and get up slowly from a seated position.
• Try breathing exercises.