Side effect

What happens

What to do about it

COMMON

Postural hypotension

Feeling dizzy or faint after standing up.

Don't stand up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, don't drive.

Drowsiness

Feeling sleepy or sluggish in the daytime.

Don't drive or use machinery.

Dry mouth

Not much saliva or spit.

Suck sugar-free boiled sweets. If it is bad, your doctor can give you a mouth spray.

Constipation

Feeling "bunged up" inside. You can't pass a motion.

Make sure you eat enough fibre or bran or fruit. Make sure you are drinking enough fluid.
Make sure you keep active and get some exercise e.g. walking. If this does not help, ask your doctor or chemist for a mild laxative.

UNCOMMON

Urine retention

Not much urine passed.

Contact your doctor now.

Headache

Your head is pounding and painful.

Try aspirin or paracetamol. Your pharmacist will be able to advise if these are safe to take with any other drugs you may be taking.
If it is sudden or unexpected, be aware this could be dangerous (see the separate question about what foods to avoid).

RARE

Oedema

Swelling in the legs.

It is not dangerous. See your doctor.

Sweating

Feeling hot and sticky. Your clothes may get wet.

Contact your doctor. You will need to have your blood pressure checked.

Insomnia

Not being able to get to sleep or stay asleep.

This is more common with tranylcypromine. Take your last dose before 3pm.

Blurred vision

Things look fuzzy.

Don't drive. Mention it to your doctor next time you meet.

Skin rashes

Blotches seen anywhere.

Stop taking - see your doctor now.