Common side effects of psychiatric medications, explained
Side effects vary from person to person, and most people tolerate these medications reasonably well, but knowing what's common and what needs urgent attention helps you use them safely. This is general education about widely prescribed medications, not personal medical advice — your own experience should always be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it, and no psychiatric medication should be stopped or changed on your own.
Who this is for
- Patients starting one of these medications who want to know what to expect
- Patients already taking one of these medications who've noticed a new symptom
- Family members supporting someone on psychiatric medication
- Patients weighing treatment options with their psychiatrist
Common concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common side effects of sertraline?
Nausea or stomach upset (especially in the first one to two weeks), diarrhea, headache, sleep changes (insomnia or drowsiness), sexual side effects such as reduced libido or delayed orgasm, dry mouth, sweating, and initial jitteriness. Most of these ease within a few weeks as the body adjusts; anything severe or persistent should be discussed with your prescriber.
What are the common side effects of escitalopram?
A similar profile to other SSRIs: nausea, headache, sleep changes, sexual side effects, dry mouth, sweating and occasionally mild weight change. Escitalopram is generally well tolerated with fewer drug interactions than some other antidepressants, but individual response varies.
What are the common side effects of fluoxetine?
Nausea, reduced appetite, headache, sexual side effects, and — compared with some other SSRIs — a somewhat more 'activating' effect that can cause initial restlessness, agitation or insomnia in some people. Its long half-life means missed doses cause milder effects, but it also stays in the body longer after stopping.
What are the common side effects of amitriptyline?
Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and difficulty urinating; drowsiness (often why it's taken at night); weight gain; and dizziness on standing up. At higher doses it can affect heart rhythm, so it's used cautiously, especially in older adults or anyone with a heart condition, and is more dangerous in overdose than SSRIs, so quantities prescribed at a time are managed carefully.
What are the common side effects of olanzapine?
Significant weight gain and increased appetite, sedation, and metabolic effects such as raised blood sugar and cholesterol, which need periodic monitoring with blood tests and weight checks. Movement-related side effects are less common than with older antipsychotics but can still occur.
What are the common side effects of clonazepam?
Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness and fall risk (particularly in older adults), and memory or concentration difficulties. Regular use carries a real risk of tolerance and dependence, which is why it's typically prescribed short-term or reviewed regularly. Stopping abruptly after regular use can cause withdrawal, including seizures in significant dependence — any reduction should be gradual and medically supervised.
What are the common side effects of lorazepam?
Similar to clonazepam: sedation, dizziness, unsteadiness and memory effects, with a real risk of dependence if used regularly over time. It acts for a shorter duration than clonazepam, so it's sometimes used for more short-term or acute anxiety. The same warning applies — never stop regular use abruptly without medical guidance.
What are the common side effects of propranolol?
A slowed heart rate, low blood pressure or dizziness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and occasionally sleep disturbance or vivid dreams. It can worsen asthma or other breathing problems, so it's used cautiously or avoided in people with those conditions. In psychiatry it's often used off-label for the physical symptoms of anxiety (such as tremor or a racing heart) rather than as a primary psychiatric medication, and shouldn't be stopped abruptly if taken regularly, since sudden withdrawal can cause rebound increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
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