From the Guidelines
The most common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, headache, insomnia, dizziness, and sexual adverse events, as reported in a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians 1.
Common Side Effects
These side effects are typically most pronounced during the initial treatment period and may diminish over time. The most commonly reported adverse events, as noted in the study, include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sexual adverse events
- Somnolence
Severe Adverse Events
It's also important to be aware of severe adverse events associated with SSRIs, such as:
- Sexual dysfunction, with paroxetine having higher rates compared to other SSRIs 1
- Suicidality, with some meta-analyses suggesting an increased risk of nonfatal suicide attempts associated with SSRIs 1
- Other rare but potentially serious adverse events, including seizures, cardiovascular risks, hyponatremia, hepatotoxicity, and serotonin syndrome, although evidence for these is scarce 1
Management of Side Effects
To minimize side effects when starting an SSRI, it's recommended to begin at a low dose and gradually increase as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Taking the medication with food may help reduce nausea. If side effects become intolerable or severe, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider rather than stopping the medication abruptly, as discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.