Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• An extensive new study determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Some medications led to decreased mass, while other medications caused increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied notably between medications.
• Individuals encountering persistent, serious, or troubling adverse reactions ought to consult a medical provider.

Recent research has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale investigation, released on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of beginning medication.

The researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat major depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent recorded in the study were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences among depression treatments. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would reduce heart rate, whereas another medication increased it, producing a gap of approximately 21 BPM across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical specialists observed that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their influences on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these disparities among a broad range of physiological parameters utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

This study offers comprehensive evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in BP or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different professional commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect every individual distinctly, and negative effects can range based on the specific drug, amount, and personal elements including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a adjustment in your drug.

"A modification in depression drug may be warranted if the individual experiences ongoing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

You may furthermore consider speaking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of meaningful improvement in low mood or worry indicators after an adequate testing period. An appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Patient choice is additionally crucial. Some patients may want to evade certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition