# Patients Reported Adverse Effects of Antidepressants Among Depressive Disorder and Associated Risk Factors: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study found that most patients with depression in Ethiopia experience significant side effects from antidepressants, with women and those with lower income or limited physical activity being at higher risk.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific risk factors for antidepressant adverse effects in a psychiatric outpatient population in Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- 82.9% of patients experienced antidepressant adverse effects.
- Weight gain, nausea, dry mouth, and headache were the most common side effects.
- Female gender and socioeconomic factors like unemployment and low income were strongly associated with increased risk.

## Abstract

Over the last two decades, antidepressant usage has seen a notable rise. Following the initiation of antidepressant medication, numerous patients experience adverse drug reactions. The main objective of this research was to determine the adverse effects of antidepressants, and identify the associated factors for outpatients who had been diagnosed with depression in three chosen clinics specializing in psychiatry in Ethiopia.

A prospective multicenter cross‐sectional study was carried out from June 12, 2024, to November 13, 2024, involving a total of 422 participants. An antidepressant side effect checklist (ASEC) was employed to evaluate side effects, and unstructured questionnaires were reviewed through interviews conducted with patients and their caregivers. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0. A descriptive summary of the data was compiled through analysis, and the findings were reported in terms of frequencies and percentages. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the predictor variables and the outcome measure. Associations were evaluated using odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Among patients with depressive disorders, the antidepressant adverse effects were observed in 82.9% of cases, with a 95% CI of 79.6–86.7. The most common adverse effects were weight gain (64%), nausea and vomiting (51%), dry mouth (49%), and headache (41%). Female was associated with a threefold increased risk of antidepressant drug adverse effects (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.73, 5.43). Additionally, being unemployed (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.52), having a monthly income of 620 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 4.53, 95% CI: 4.24, 9.58), limited physical activity (AOR = 4.52, 95% CI: 3.47, 11.87, and AOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.92, 4.32), consuming alcohol (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.03), and using drugs for more than 2 years (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.58) were significantly linked to antidepressant drug adverse effects in patients with depressive disorders.

Depressive disorder treatment often encounters side effects from antidepressants. Women who are unemployed, have a monthly income of less than 620 Ethiopian Birr, engage in a limited level of physical activity, consume alcohol, and have used drugs for more than 2 years experienced significant adverse effects from antidepressants.