What potential side effect should patients be warned about when taking antidepressants?

When prescribing antidepressants, it is crucial to inform patients about the potential increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in certain populations such as children, adolescents, and young adults. This risk is associated with the initiation of treatment or when doses are changed. The mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it may involve changes in neurotransmitter levels that affect mood and behavior.

Patients should be monitored closely during the early stages of treatment or when adjustments to their regimen are made. Warning signs can include heightened anxiety, agitation, or a sudden change in mood or behavior. Education on how to recognize these symptoms is an important part of patient care when prescribing antidepressants to ensure safety and well-being.

The other options, while they may have clinical relevance in other contexts, do not specifically pertain to the side effects commonly associated with antidepressant medications in the same way as the increased risk of suicidal thoughts does.