Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

- A extensive latest study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while different drugs caused added mass.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged notably across drugs.
- Individuals encountering ongoing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a physician.
Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.
This large-scale investigation, issued on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of starting treatment.
The investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to manage major depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent observed in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed striking disparities across antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was associated with an typical weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.
Furthermore, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of approximately 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Include a Extensive Spectrum
Clinical professionals noted that the research's findings are not recent or startling to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a expert explained.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences throughout a wide spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the professional added.
The investigation provides robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:
- digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (increase or reduction, according to the drug)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, headache
Meanwhile, less common but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or indifference
"A key factor to note here is that there are various distinct types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different specialist explained.
"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person differently, and unwanted reactions can vary according to the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal considerations like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."
Although some adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly frequent and often enhance with time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider About Intense Adverse Reactions
Depression drug side effects may range in severity, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.
"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the person suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one specialist said.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
Patients may additionally consider talking with your doctor about any lack of substantial enhancement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms following an sufficient evaluation duration. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.
Individual preference is also significant. Some patients may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition