What are some side effects of taking antidepressants for many years?

Question:

I'm writing a book and the main character has been on antidepressants since he was a small child because his parents felt they had to, and I need to know what would happen to a person that is on them for a long time? I know that sex is a lot harder, but what else? Hard to sleep, easy to sleep, blackouts, anybody know anything? Lol any help would be completely appreciated, as I am clueless! Thanks!

Answers:
That depends on the actual drug or combination of drugs being taken. Different drugs will have different long term effects. If you're writing a book, I suggest you learn how to do research instead of asking people on a forum. The more detail you research yourself, the better your story will be.

Not sure. I myself has been on those pils for two years. I'm not sure of what could happen, but these are some ideas for your character and book:

1.He may eventually need to take a stronger doseage, after being on them for a while.

2. He may go off them for a few weeks to see if he is "better" and relapse, become very depressed.

3. He will be tierd a lot, drowsie, and feeling weak mostly all day and then at night he will have difficulty sleeping.

4. He will either loose or gain weight depending on his personality/actions. Does depression make him not that hungry or does it make him want to go on binges and eat everything in site?

5. You could make the doctor perscribe a sleeping pill in adition to his anti-depressiant, and the new pill could make him even more depressed. (thats what happened with me)

What are some side effects of taking antidepressants for many years?

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