Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A large new research discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, whereas others resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP also varied markedly between treatments.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects ought to consult a medical provider.

Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This extensive study, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of commencing treatment.

The scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat major depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent noted in the investigation were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant differences among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month course of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, marked variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical professionals noted that the investigation's findings are not considered new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants range in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities across a broad array of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 individuals," the expert commented.

This study offers comprehensive evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• increases in BP or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to consider here is that there are multiple different classes of depression drugs, which lead to the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence every individual differently, and adverse reactions can vary based on the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and frequently improve with time, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person experiences continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," one specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

You may additionally contemplate talking with your doctor about any lack of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry signs following an sufficient trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Individual choice is additionally crucial. Some people may prefer to evade specific side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition