Side Effects of Antidepressants Essay -- Medical Depression Psychology

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... ...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.