Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range by Drug

• A extensive latest investigation found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, while other medications led to added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly between medications.
• Patients encountering ongoing, severe, or troubling adverse reactions ought to speak with a physician.

New studies has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The extensive investigation, released on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of beginning medication.

These investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not every patient experiences adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, marked changes in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, creating a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed across one drug and doxepin.

Medical professionals observed that the research's results are not new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that different antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," one professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative measurement of these variations across a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this specialist added.

The study provides comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but clinically significant side effects may comprise:

• elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several varying categories of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct negative medication side effects," another expert stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each patient differently, and adverse reactions can vary according to the specific medication, amount, and personal factors like metabolism or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably typical and commonly get better with time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the patient encounters ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive care," one expert stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Patients may furthermore think about talking with your healthcare provider about any lack of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or anxiety signs after an adequate evaluation duration. An appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Personal choice is also crucial. Some people may prefer to prevent certain adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition