Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- An comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
- Certain drugs caused decreased mass, while others caused increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly among medications.
- Those encountering ongoing, serious, or concerning side effects ought to speak with a physician.
New research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.
The extensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of commencing medication.
The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly used to address depression. While not everyone encounters unwanted effects, several of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed significant disparities across antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was connected with an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.
Furthermore, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen among nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Comprise a Wide Range
Clinical experts commented that the research's conclusions are not new or startling to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," one professional stated.
"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences across a wide spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing information from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.
The study provides robust proof of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, head pain
Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple different types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug reactions," another expert stated.
"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each person differently, and negative reactions can vary based on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and patient elements like metabolism or comorbidities."
Although several unwanted effects, like changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and often enhance with time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.
Talk with Your Doctor Regarding Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your drug.
"A change in depression drug may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," a expert said.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."
Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of significant progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.
Individual choice is furthermore crucial. Certain patients may want to evade particular adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition