Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• An extensive new study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in weight loss, while different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also differed significantly across drugs.
• Those suffering from continuing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

New investigations has found that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

The extensive study, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.

These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to treat major depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the investigation were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users added nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the both treatments. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," one expert stated.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these variations throughout a wide range of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

This investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the magnitude of adverse reactions, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various distinct categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying adverse drug reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each person variably, and adverse effects can differ according to the exact drug, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and often improve as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in intensity, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the present drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider talking with your doctor about any absence of significant progress in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators after an adequate trial period. The adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Personal preference is also significant. Certain patients may prefer to avoid specific unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition