Antidepressant Side Effects Treatment

Treatment for Antidepressant Side Effects

Withdrawal Reactions

Typical Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms, dizziness, or electric shock sensations in the head.

Primary Treatment

Gradually cutting down the dose is the main treatment.

Micro-Dosing

Taking an extra fragment or a partially emptied capsule can relieve reactions.

The "Prozac" Strategy

Some doctors give patients Prozac to lessen withdrawal reactions as this leaves your blood stream more slowly. But other doctors are concerned there are risks having 2 antidepressants in the bloodstream simultaneously.

Weight Gain

About 40% of patients taking antidepressants will gain weight. The battle is more difficult due to metabolic changes, especially affecting cell insulin receptors.

Standard Measures

• Calorie / Kilojoule control
• High intake of low-kilojoule fluids
• Frequent exercise
• Food journaling (write before you eat)

Medical Aids

Prescription options for reduction:

TOPIRAMATE FORXIGA METFORMIN

Note on Appetite Suppressants: Concern exists about possible interaction resulting in damage to the heart and blood vessels.

The Best Option

Change to a different antidepressant or reduce the dose if possible.

"However, this runs the risk that the benefits of having controlled the depressive illness would be lost."

Sexual Difficulties (60% Incidence)

Medical Solutions

VIAGRA: Effective for many men; mixed results for women.
CIALIS: Long-acting alternative.
WELLBUTRIN/ZYBAN: Cochrane review suggests as reasonably good treatment.

Dose & Medication Change

Dose reduction often provides little improvement and risks return of depression.

No Sexual Side Effects:

VALDOXAN, ZYBAN, WELLBUTRIN, EDRONAX, AURORIX.

Low Rate:

BRINTELLIX (low dose).

Alternative Agents

Periactin (Cyproheptadine):

Antihistamine. Effective but sedating and causes weight gain.

DEXAMPHETAMINE:

Stimulant. Occasional reports of success, but mostly ineffective.

Crucial Perspective: Depressive illness is like cancer. Total and prolonged obliteration of symptoms is the ideal; no one would suggest a cancer patient reduces chemotherapy if they can tolerate it.

Drowsiness & "YES" Syndrome

Managing Fatigue

Timing: Shift dose to evening/night if not groggy in morning. (Most are designed for AM).

Assistance: Caffeine drinks/tablets or prescription stimulants (Modafinil, Ritalin, Dexamphetamine).

The 72-Hour Rule

Dose adjustments (up or down) usually show clear effects within 48-72 hours.

Signs of Over-medication (YES)

Y YAWNING / DROWSINESS

E EXPRESSION / WORD-FINDING PROBLEMS

S SILLY MISTAKES / TERRIBLE MEMORY

Dry Mouth

Warning: Risk of rapid tooth decay & permanent enamel damage.

Stimulation:

Intensely bitter drinks (bitter lemon, lemon in soda water) directly stimulate salivary glands.

Mechanical Aids:

Sugarless gum (Biotene) or small sugarless sweets. Artificial saliva sprays.

Prescription: BETHANECHOL (Urocarb)

Simple antidote. 10-20mg 3x/day. Best on empty stomach 30 mins before food.

Excessive Perspiration

Nerve impulses accidentally activated. Often causes social embarrassment and alternating hot/cold sensations.

PROBANTHINE (Propantheline)

Very effective. Lasts a number of hours. Main side effect is dry mouth.

CATAPRES & HYTRIN

Used in low doses. Check blood pressure regularly (watch for dizziness).

Simple Aid: Use a fan angled to bounce air off the ceiling onto the bed.