It is still not clear what the long term effects of taking antidepressants are. Some studies suggest that there may be some risks associated with taking them for a long time, but it is not yet known for sure if this is the case. Some of the potential risks that have been suggested include an increased risk of developing dementia, problems with sexual function, and an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Sexual problems (72%), including the inability to reach orgasm (65%)
While most studies report that sexual side effects are common with SSRI use, the exact incidence is unknown. The range reported in various studies is anywhere from 1% to over 80%. In a review of 439 patients on SSRIs, 72% reported some type of sexual dysfunction. The most common problems were decreased libido (48%), erectile dysfunction (35%), and inability to reach orgasm (65%).
There are many potential long-term effects of taking antidepressants, and sexual problems are among the most commonly reported. While the exact incidence is unknown, it is clear that these side effects can be quite debilitating for those who experience them. In addition to the more well-known problems of decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, many people find it difficult or impossible to reach orgasm while taking these medications. This can be extremely frustrating and may lead to relationship difficulties or even depression itself. If you are experiencing any sexual side effects from your antidepressant medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about possible solutions. There are often ways to adjust the dosage or switch to a different drug that can help alleviate these problem.
Weight gain (65%)
Antidepressants can affect a person’s weight in many ways. They may increase appetite or cause a person to feel more full after eating. Some people may also experience weight gain as a side effect of taking certain antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Mood swings (56%): Many people report feeling more emotionally stable on antidepressants. However, some people may experience mood swings as a side effect of taking these medications. These mood swings can range from mild to severe and may include changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, and appetite. Sexual side effects (46%): Antidepressants can cause sexual side effects in both men and women. These sexual side effects can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and difficulty orgasming. In some cases, these sexual side effects may persist even after stopping the medication. Sleepiness (40%): Antidepressants can cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people. This is most common with tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. Dry mouth (32%): Dry mouth is a common side effect of taking antidepressants, particularly TCAs and MAOIs. This symptom can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to speak or eat. Constipation (30%): constipation is another common digestive issue that can occur when taking antidepressant medications.
Feeling emotionally numb (65%)
Antidepressants can blunt your emotions or make them feel flat. This might be a benefit if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, but it can also make you feel emotionally disconnected from the people and things around you.
Dry mouth (32%): Antidepressants can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Constipation (26%): Antidepressants can cause constipation, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to other digestive problems.
Drowsiness (24%): Antidepressants can cause drowsiness, which may make it difficult to concentrate or perform tasks that require mental alertness.
Weight gain (22%): Antidepressants can cause weight gain, which can be a problem for people who are already overweight or obese.
Not feeling like themselves (54%)
One of the most commonly reported effects of taking antidepressants is feeling like you’re not yourself. People often describe this as feeling “zombie-like” or “numb.” It can be tough to deal with these feelings, especially if they’re unexpected.
Difficulty concentrating (48%): Many people say that it becomes harder to focus and think clearly while taking antidepressant medications. This can make it tough to get work done, keep up with conversations, or follow directions.
Drowsiness (39%): A lot of people report feeling very tired while taking antidepressants. This side effect is usually most pronounced in the first few weeks of treatment but can persist throughout the entire course of treatment in some cases.
Dry mouth (32%): Another common effect of antidepressant medication is dry mouth. This can make it hard to speak or eat, and may lead to tooth decay if left untreated.
Nausea (30%): Feeling nauseous is another common side effect of many different types of antidepressant medication. This may be accompanied by vomiting in some cases. Nausea usually goes away after a few days or weeks, but it can persist for months in rare cases. If you’re experiencing nausea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones. You may also want to try eating ginger in order to help calm your stomach down.
Reduced positive feelings (46%)
In the long term, people who take antidepressants may have less ability to experience positive emotions.
Some research suggests that people who take antidepressants for a long time may have difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness, elation, and excitement. In one study of people with major depressive disorder who were taking an antidepressant for at least two years, 46% of participants reported reduced positive feelings.
It’s unclear why this reduced ability to feel positive emotions occurs, but it may be due to changes in the brain that happen with long-term antidepressant use. These changes could alter how you process emotions or make it harder for you to experience positive emotions.
In addition to reducing your ability to feel positive emotions, long-term antidepressant use has also been linked to other potential negative effects.
Feeling as if they’re addicted (43%)
According to a report in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 43% of people who took antidepressants felt like they were addicted. This is because when people stop taking them, they often experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Not being able to sleep (42%): Antidepressants can cause insomnia, which can lead to fatigue and irritability.
Feeling anxious or nervous (40%): Anxiety is a common side effect of antidepressant use. It can cause restlessness, sweating, and heart palpitations.
Gaining weight (32%): Many antidepressants cause weight gain by affecting metabolism and increasing appetite.
Sexual side effects (30%): Antidepressants can cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Caring less about other people (36%)
Antidepressants may blunt our ability to read other people’s emotions, making us seem insensitive.
Caring less about other people (36%): Antidepressants may blunt our ability to read other people’s emotions, making us seem insensitive. Difficulty experiencing positive emotions (28%): The drugs can sap the joy out of everyday activities like spending time with friends or listening to music.
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions (28%): The drugs can sap the joy out of everyday activities like spending time with friends or listening to music. Sexual side effects (22-35%): Loss of interest in sex, difficulty becoming aroused and reaching orgasm are common problems.
Sexual side effects (22-35%): Loss of interest in sex, difficulty becoming aroused and reaching orgasm are common problems. Weight gain (up to 25%): Some antidepressants can increase appetite or make you crave high-calorie foods.
Weight gain (up to 25%): Some antidepressants can increase appetite or make you crave high-calorie foods. Dizziness and lightheadedness (up to 20%): These symptoms usually go away after a week or two as your body adjusts to the medication.
Feeling suicidal (36%)
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24).
There is a black box warning from the FDA on all antidepressant medications that they may cause an increase in suicidal ideation and behavior. A meta-analysis of 27 clinical trials found that patients taking antidepressants had a 4% increased risk of suicidality compared to those taking a placebo. The FDA requires all antidepressant manufacturers to include a Medication Guide with each prescription that warns patients about this potential side effect.
While most people who take antidepressants don’t experience any serious side effects, some people do experience more severe ones. In rare cases, people may even die from taking them. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal while taking antidepressants, it’s important to seek help immediately. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for 24/7 confidential support.