Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An extensive recent study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs caused weight loss, while others resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore differed significantly among treatments.
• Those encountering ongoing, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

New investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive research, published on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of commencing medication.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant differences among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week course of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals added almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, while another medication increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation observed among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts commented that the investigation's conclusions are not novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants differ in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these disparities across a extensive range of physical indicators utilizing findings from over 58,000 individuals," this specialist commented.

The study offers robust evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical depression drug side effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are various different categories of antidepressants, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual variably, and adverse effects can range depending on the specific medication, dose, and personal considerations such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite typical and often improve as time passes, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could require a modification in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient experiences continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

You may additionally think about talking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant progress in low mood or worry signs following an sufficient trial period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Patient preference is also important. Some individuals may prefer to evade certain side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition