Which SSRIs side effects are commonly reported? (Select the best description).

• A. Sedation
• B. Anxiety, agitation, akathisia, nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction
• C. Suicidal ideation/ increased depression
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (B)

SSRIs commonly produce activating and sexual side effects, especially early in treatment. The most consistently reported effects include anxiety or agitation, a feeling of restlessness (akathisia), insomnia, and nausea. Sexual dysfunction is also very common with SSRIs, affecting libido and orgasm. This combination best captures the typical tolerability profile seen across many patients, making it the best description.

Sedation can occur with some SSRIs but is not the hallmark for most patients. Suicidal ideation or increased depression is an important safety concern in certain groups (like some youths) but not a common or universal side effect. Weight gain is possible for some individuals but is less consistently observed than the cluster of activating and sexual effects described above.