Antidepressant Side Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

- A extensive latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
- Some medications resulted in decreased mass, whereas others led to weight gain.
- Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied markedly between medications.
- Those encountering persistent, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects should discuss with a physician.
New studies has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, examined the effect of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of starting treatment.
The investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to treat clinical depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, certain of the most common recorded in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
There were notable differences among antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.
Additionally, significant changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Include a Extensive Array
Clinical specialists commented that the research's findings aren't recent or surprising to psychiatrists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these variations throughout a wide range of bodily measurements using findings from over 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.
The research delivers comprehensive proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:
- stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (gain or decrease, according to the medication)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, migraine
Meanwhile, rarer but clinically significant side effects may encompass:
- rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple different categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying negative pharmaceutical side effects," another specialist commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact each patient differently, and unwanted reactions can differ depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
Although certain side effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably typical and often improve with time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.
"A adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the patient experiences continuing or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one expert commented.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."
Individuals may also contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms following an adequate testing period. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.
Personal choice is also important. Certain people may want to prevent certain unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition