Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- A comprehensive new study determined that the side effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
- Some medications led to decreased mass, while different drugs led to weight gain.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally varied notably among medications.
- Those suffering from persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.
New investigations has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning therapy.
The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to treat depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent noted in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed striking disparities among depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users added close to 2 kg in the identical period.
There were also, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of around 21 BPM across the two drugs. BP varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Range
Medical experts observed that the investigation's findings aren't recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants range in their effects on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," a professional commented.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative assessment of these variations throughout a wide array of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 individuals," the expert commented.
The investigation delivers comprehensive support of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- mass variations (gain or reduction, depending on the agent)
- sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, migraine
Meanwhile, less common but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:
- increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or apathy
"One thing to note in this context is that there are several varying categories of depression drugs, which result in the varying negative medication effects," another expert explained.
"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence each patient differently, and adverse side effects can differ based on the specific medication, dose, and personal elements such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."
While some side effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently get better over time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Healthcare Provider About Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your drug.
"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one expert stated.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."
You may additionally consider consulting with your doctor about any absence of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate testing period. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.
Individual inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may want to evade specific side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition