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

- An extensive new study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while other medications caused weight gain.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied significantly among treatments.
- Patients suffering from persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.
New studies has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.
The extensive research, released on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial two months of starting medication.
These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to manage clinical depression. While not everyone develops side effects, some of the most common observed in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed striking differences across depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users added close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
There were also, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Side Effects Comprise a Wide Range
Medical specialists observed that the study's findings are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional stated.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these variations throughout a broad array of physical indicators using findings from over 58,000 individuals," this professional noted.
This research delivers robust proof of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (increase or reduction, based on the medication)
- sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, moisture, headache
Additionally, less common but medically important adverse reactions may include:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"A key factor to note in this context is that there are various varying classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug reactions," a different expert stated.
"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted effects can vary based on the exact drug, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
Although some adverse reactions, including changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite typical and commonly get better with time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your drug.
"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a professional said.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the present drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."
You may also think about talking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an adequate testing period. The sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.
Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Certain patients may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition