Breast And Gynaecological Changes Due to Antidepressants

Breast enlargement

Weight gain is a common problem with most antidepressants. If a woman gains weight while taking antidepressants, some of the weight gain will also be deposited in her breasts, causing breast enlargement.

In recent years, research has indicated that at least forty per cent of women taking the modern antidepressants (SSRIs and Effexor) will have breast enlargement over a number of months. In a number of these women, the changes occur due to weight gain, while in others the changes of breast enlargement occur despite their weight remaining stable.

Breast milk

In a small number of cases with antidepressants and in a large number of cases in patients taking antipsychotic medications, the chemical pathways preventing breast milk production are blocked; as a result, the milk-producing glands in the breast are stimulated inappropriately. This results in milk being produced in the breasts and leaking out at times.

Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding can occur in women taking the SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Aropax, Luvox, Cipramil, Effexor) especially when taking high doses of these antidepressants.

Vaginal lubrication

Vaginal lubrication can be reduced due to anticholinergic side effects of antidepressants, especially the older tricyclic antidepressants. (Anticholinergic side effects are those resulting from interference with the cholinergic system, which looks after many automatic functions of our body.) Furthermore, many of the modern antidepressants cause marked sexual problems, including an inability to respond normally sexually, with resultant reduction in vaginal lubrication.

Sexual problems due to antidepressants are described in detail in Section 58, together with suggested solutions to these problems.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is more likely to recur in the presence of certain hormonal changes. Accordingly, the manufacturers of a number of antidepressants, including Serzone (Nefazodone), caution against the use of their antidepressant in someone with a history of breast cancer and perhaps also the same care would need to be taken with women with a strong family history of breast cancer. However, little is known about this situation.

Important Disclaimer: This site is medical information only and is not to be taken as diagnosis, advice or treatment, which can only be decided by your own doctor.