Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

• An extensive new study determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, while others resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied markedly among drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning side effects must speak with a physician.

New investigations has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of commencing medication.

These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage depression. While not every patient encounters side effects, some of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking disparities among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication elevated it, causing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts observed that the study's results are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities across a extensive array of physical indicators using data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this professional commented.

The study offers strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• increases in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying categories of antidepressants, which lead to the different adverse drug side effects," a different professional explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and negative side effects can vary according to the exact medication, amount, and individual considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While certain adverse reactions, like variations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably common and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Depression drug side effects may differ in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore consider speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety-related indicators after an sufficient testing period. An appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Patient preference is also important. Certain patients may choose to prevent specific unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition