Don’t All Medications Have Side Effects?
The reality is that all medications have some side effects. Even simple and seemingly benign medications like aspirin has the side effect of thinning the blood and can cause more bleeding if you get injured or cut. Even antibiotics designed to boost your immune system and fight off infections can have allergic reactions in about 5% of people. Everyone has seen drug commercials where the auctioneer talks at the end listing dozens of horrible side effects that leave you wondering why anyone would take that medication. In most cases such side effects are quite rare, but because it happened to a few people, it has to be listed. We will look at common side effects from psychiatric medications. Keep in mind everyone’s body chemistry is different and peculiar side effects can happen.
What are Common Side Effects with Antidepressants?
One of the common medications a psychiatrist prescribes is antidepressants which are used to treat depression and anxiety. Many people starting an antidepressant experience headaches or GI issues such as nausea, indigestion, stomach aches or the like. For many people these side effects go away in 3-7 days as the body adjusts to the medication. Some people get insomnia or drowsiness. Changing mornings or night dosing can help. Some side effects can persist like weight changes, sexual side effects, dry mouth, nervousness, sweatiness, or agitation. Often switching medications can help resolve these issues.
What are Common Side Effects with Stimulants?
Psychiatrists typically write prescriptions for stimulants to treat ADHD. Probably the main side effect of stimulants is appetite suppression. For many adults this can be a desirable side effect. For children who are not eating breakfast or lunch it can really hinder physical growth and development. Some people get heart palpitations, sleep problems, headaches or stomach aches. Working closely with your psychiatrists there are often techniques and strategies for mitigating some of these side effects.
What are Common Side Effects with Mood Stabilizers and Antipsychotics?
Psychiatrists mainly use mood stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder. Those struggling with big mood swings associated with depression or anxiety have also been shown to benefit. Common side effects can include itchy skin, rashes or dry mouth. Some people have changes in vision, increased thirst, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or nausea. Fortunately, most classes of medication have a wide variety of options and a change in medication often alleviates negative side effects. Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia. Weight gain is a common side effect, and many older varieties can cause movement disturbances like tremors, stiffness, muscles spasms or jerks which can become serious if left unresolved. The real trick in psychiatry is findings the medication with the most symptom relief and fewest side effects.
If you are interested in meeting with one of our psychiatric providers, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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