When you start a new medication for mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, you're probably hoping for symptom relief and more energy, less worry, a better quality of life. And while that’s often exactly what happens in the end, many people find that the journey to the right medication comes with a few unexpected roadblocks.
Mental health medications can come with side effects, and those side effects vary from person to person. Trying different dosages and different medications to find what works best for you can be daunting and make it difficult to stick it out, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates specializes in personalized medication management to help people get the benefits of treatment and minimize unwanted effects. Here’s more information about medication side effects that you may not know about, and how we can help.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are designed to help regulate your emotions, but some people report feeling emotionally “numb” or detached — not sad, but not exactly happy, either.
This emotional flattening can be frustrating, especially when you're looking forward to feeling better. It’s not uncommon with certain SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and while it may improve with time or dose adjustments, it’s something that should be openly discussed with your provider.
Many people are surprised to find that their thinking feels slower or fuzzier after starting certain medications. This “brain fog” can interfere with focus, memory, or productivity, even if mood symptoms are improving. It’s often manageable with a dose change or by switching medications altogether, and addressing it early makes a big difference.
Sexual side effects like reduced libido, delayed orgasm, or erectile dysfunction are very common with many mental health medications, yet they’re often underreported or brushed aside. These changes can affect both your personal relationships and your self-esteem.
The good news is that there are alternative medications or add-on treatments that can help reduce these effects without compromising mental health benefits.
Changes in appetite, weight gain, constipation, or disrupted sleep are other frequently overlooked side effects. You may not connect a sudden change in digestion or your sleep cycle to your mental health medication, but they’re often related. Careful medication selection and adjustment can reduce or even eliminate these issues.
Mental health medications aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s why we take a personalized approach to prescribing at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates. Our medication management services include regular check-ins, close monitoring of your symptoms and side effects, and a collaborative approach to adjusting your plan as needed.
Finding the right fit can make all the difference in how you feel, function, and thrive, and we’re committed to helping you reach your mental health goals comfortably and safely.
If you’re currently on medication and are struggling with unexpected side effects — or if you’re just getting started and want to feel confident in your treatment plan — our team is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn how personalized medication management can help you.
