Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• A large new investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in reduced body weight, whereas other medications resulted in added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also diverged notably between medications.
• Those experiencing ongoing, severe, or worrisome side effects must consult a physician.

New research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The extensive study, released on October 21, examined the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of commencing treatment.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly prescribed to manage depression. While not every patient develops side effects, some of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant disparities among antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, while another medication raised it, producing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed among nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals noted that the investigation's results are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants differ in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these differences throughout a wide array of bodily measurements utilizing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

The study delivers comprehensive evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to remember here is that there are various different types of antidepressant medications, which result in the different negative pharmaceutical reactions," another expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each person distinctly, and negative effects can vary according to the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and individual factors including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, like variations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably common and commonly improve over time, others may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"A modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the person experiences ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," a expert stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present medication, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may additionally think about talking with your physician concerning any absence of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety signs subsequent to an appropriate trial period. An appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.

Personal choice is also crucial. Certain patients may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition