Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive new research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
• Some medications resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications caused increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally diverged markedly among medications.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must discuss with a physician.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of commencing therapy.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, some of the most frequent observed in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the same period.

Furthermore, significant variations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, while another medication elevated it, causing a difference of around 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among one drug and another medication.

Medical specialists commented that the investigation's conclusions aren't recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants differ in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these disparities among a broad array of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

This study delivers robust proof of the degree of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less frequent but medically important side effects may comprise:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the distinct adverse medication reactions," a different specialist commented.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect every individual distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary based on the exact medication, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some adverse reactions, including variations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and commonly improve over time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may range in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or supportive care," a expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present drug, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate consulting with your physician regarding any deficiency of meaningful progress in low mood or worry indicators subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. The appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Personal preference is additionally important. Certain individuals may choose to avoid particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition