Yesterday, I had a hot chocolate before bed. It was rich and made with milk. I know that I have a slight intolerance to lactose, so that would not have helped. I’d also had an upset stomach on the weekend, which seemed to be passing.

Once again I was woken during the night with a very bloated feeling in my stomach and a sense that vomiting was a real possibility.

I took some gaviscon tablets and then wondered … what else has changed these last few days?

I have increased my dosage of vortioxetine.

There are a number of reported side effects of that drug, and as with many SSRIs (selective serotonin uptake inhibitors – a range of drugs used to treat anxiety and depression), upset stomachs, including gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting are common side effects.

It seems that I can expect my upset stomach to settle within a fortnight, if it’s related to the antidepressants.

Within that fortnight is Christmas.

It seems that I may to have to be a little careful what I eat and drink in the evenings.

Side effects of medicine make more sense than the crazy and scary imaginings of my head while I lay awake.

Unsurprisingly, insomnia is also a side effect of vortioxetine. If you’re feeling bloated and gassy with a sense that one’s innards might erupt, sleeplessness is somewhat likely.