• If your nausea does not go away within a few weeks or becomes worse, contact your doctor about changing your dosage
Weight Gain
There are a number of reasons people may gain weight when taking antidepressants. It could be because your body is retaining fluid or because once you begin to feel better your appetite increases.
• Keep plenty of low calorie, healthy foods available, such as raw vegetables and fruits.
• Drink water rather than soda
• Increase your exercise to a minimum of 30 minutes a day
Fatigue
This side effect also normally disappears within a few weeks. If it does not, speak with your physician about possibly changing your dosage.
• Schedule taking your medication before bedtime rather than in the morning
• Include exercise in your daily routine
• Take a nap in the afternoon for the first few weeks of use
Insomnia
When antidepressants begin to work, you may feel better and more energized, making it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep at night
• Take medications in the morning
• Cut down on caffeine
• Include exercise in your daily routine
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many different antidepressants as they can reduce the amount of saliva your body creates.
• Use ice chips or sip on a glass of water throughout the day
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy
• Have regular dental checkups to avoid and prevent tooth decay
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Blurred Vision
If blurred vision does not go away within a few weeks, you should talk with your doctor about possibly adjusting the dosage of medicine.
• Check with an eye doctor to make sure there are no underlying problems
• Ask your doctor about eye drops that can reduce dryness
Constipation
This is most often a side effect of tricyclic medications.
• Drink plenty of water, at least six to eight glasses per day
• Eat foods high in fiber
• Add exercise to your daily routine
• Talk with your doctor about adding fiber supplements to your diet
