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Antidepressant medications play a crucial role in treating depression and various mental or mood disorders, offering significant benefits, including the reduction of suicidal thoughts and attempts. However, it is important to be aware of certain risks associated with their use, particularly for individuals under 25 years of age. Here are key safety considerations:

• Risk of Worsening Symptoms: Some individuals, especially those younger than 25, may experience an increase in depression, mental or mood-related symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/behaviors.
• Importance of Medical Discussion: It is essential to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of taking antidepressants, especially for those under 25, regardless of the condition being treated.
• Monitoring for Changes: Be vigilant for signs of worsening depression or other psychiatric conditions. Notify a healthcare provider immediately if you notice any unusual changes in behavior, such as new or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, or rapid speech.
• Critical Times for Observation: Pay special attention to mood and behavior changes when starting a new antidepressant or altering the dosage.

These guidelines are designed to ensure safety and effectiveness in the use of antidepressant medications. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

Common side effects:

• nausea
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• blurred vision
• nervousness
• trouble sleeping
• unusual sweating
• yawning

Less common but important to monitor:

• increase in blood pressure
• easy bleeding or bruising
• reduced interest in sexual activity
• changes in sexual ability
• muscle cramps or weakness
• tremors

Serious side effects:

• persistent cough
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• severe headaches
• black stools
• vomit resembling coffee grounds
• eye pain or swelling
• widened pupils
• vision changes
• seizures
• serotonin syndrome
• rash
• itching
• swelling especially of the face, tongue, or throat
• severe dizziness
• difficulty breathing

Interactions with high risk of serious adverse effects and should be avoided:

• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine)

Interactions with moderate risk that may require dose adjustment, closer monitoring, or timing changes:

• Aspirin
• Drugs that increase serotonin (MDMA, St. John's wort, SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, other SNRIs such as duloxetine/milnacipran, tryptophan)

Interactions with low risk that usually do not require a change in therapy:

• Antiplatelet drugs (clopidogrel)
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen/naproxen)
• Blood thinners (dabigatran/warfarin)
• Desvenlafaxine
• Products causing drowsiness (opioid pain or cough relievers such as codeine, hydrocodone, alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem, muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, or antihistamines such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine)