10 Tips to Minimize Side Effects From SSRIs and SNRIs
Once you start taking the medication, do not stop it without talking to your provider first. Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Two common types of antidepressants are:
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
SSRIs and SNRIs can be helpful for many people with mental health conditions, but like all medications, they may cause side effects in some people.
To improve your treatment experience, there are many habits that may help minimize or relieve side effects while taking SSRIs and SNRIs.
References
Bixby, A. L., et al. (2018). Clinical management of bleeding risk with antidepressants. Annals of Pharmacotherapy.
Camilleri, M. (2009). Serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity.
Carvalho, A. F., et al. (2016). The safety, tolerability and risks associated with the use of newer generation antidepressant drugs: A critical review of the literature. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
Chu, A., et al. (2023). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. StatPearls.
Harada, T., et al. (2014). A prospective naturalistic study of antidepressant-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
MedlinePlus. (2016). Constipation.
MedlinePlus. (2016). Diarrhea.
MedlinePlus. (2017). Dry mouth.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Drowsiness.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
