Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Range by Drug

• A extensive recent investigation found that the side effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused decreased mass, while others led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly across treatments.
• Those encountering persistent, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The large-scale study, released on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the first two months of commencing treatment.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently employed to treat clinical depression. While not everyone experiences unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was linked to an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease pulse rate, while another medication increased it, causing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference noted across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical experts noted that the investigation's findings are not new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a expert stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these variations among a wide spectrum of physical indicators employing data from over 58,000 participants," the professional noted.

This study provides strong evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, certain of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"An important point to note here is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which lead to the varying negative drug side effects," another professional commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can affect each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can range based on the particular medication, amount, and personal considerations like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While several side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite typical and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or management strategies," one expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may furthermore contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of meaningful progress in depressive or worry indicators following an appropriate trial period. An adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal preference is furthermore crucial. Certain people may prefer to evade particular adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition