Which is NOT a common side effect of antidepressants?

Which is NOT a common side effect of antidepressants?

• A. Dry mouth
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Nausea
• D. Increased heart rate

Answer: (D)

Increased heart rate is not commonly recognized as a side effect of antidepressants, especially when considering the most prevalent types such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Common side effects of antidepressants often include dry mouth, drowsiness, and nausea. Dry mouth can occur due to the anticholinergic effects of some antidepressants, resulting in decreased saliva production. Drowsiness is frequently reported, particularly with certain classes of antidepressants like tricyclics, impacting alertness and energy levels. Nausea can also be a common initial side effect as the body adjusts to the medication, typically improving over time. In contrast, while some individuals may experience fluctuations in heart rate, a significant and sustained increase typically would not be a direct effect of standard antidepressants. Therefore, recognizing that increased heart rate is less associated with the common side effects of this medication provides a clearer understanding of the pharmacological profiles of antidepressants.

Increased heart rate is not commonly recognized as a side effect of antidepressants, especially when considering the most prevalent types such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Common side effects of antidepressants often include dry mouth, drowsiness, and nausea. Dry mouth can occur due to the anticholinergic effects of some antidepressants, resulting in decreased saliva production. Drowsiness is frequently reported, particularly with certain classes of antidepressants like tricyclics, impacting alertness and energy levels. Nausea can also be a common initial side effect as the body adjusts to the medication, typically improving over time.

In contrast, while some individuals may experience fluctuations in heart rate, a significant and sustained increase typically would not be a direct effect of standard antidepressants. Therefore, recognizing that increased heart rate is less associated with the common side effects of this medication provides a clearer understanding of the pharmacological profiles of antidepressants.