Comparison of antidepressants in terms of drug-related movement disorders and sexual side effects

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare different antidepressant groups regarding sexual side effects, sleep bruxism, and neurological side effects. Materials and Methods: We included 406 patients between 18 and 50 years old, who were treated as an outpatient with a diagnosis of depressive disorders or anxiety disorders and had antidepressant monotherapy for more than one month. We applied sociodemographic data form, Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), neurological side effects section of the UKU Side Effect Rating Scale, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale to all patients. We divided the antidepressants into three groups as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) and vortioxetine. Results: The mean score of the UKU neurological side effects of those using SNRI in patients with GAD was significantly higher than those using SSRI. Adequate adherence to drug treatment was 91.3% for vortioxetine users, 73.8% for SSRI users, and 50% for SNRI users in patients with depressive disorder, and the difference between the three groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: Antidepressant drug groups may differ from each other regarding some side effects and treatment adherence. Prospective studies are needed to understand better lesser-known side effects such as antidepressant-induced sleep bruxism and movement disorders.