Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

New study delivers strong proof of the broad spectrum of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A comprehensive latest investigation found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
  • Certain drugs resulted in decreased mass, while different drugs caused weight gain.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore diverged markedly among treatments.
  • Patients encountering persistent, serious, or concerning unwanted effects ought to consult a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

This large-scale study, released on October 21, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing therapy.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to manage depression. While not every patient experiences adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable disparities among depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added almost 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Range

Clinical professionals observed that the research's results aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these differences across a broad array of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 individuals," the professional noted.

The investigation offers strong support of the magnitude of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (gain or loss, based on the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • dry mouth, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several varying categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and negative side effects can vary based on the specific drug, dose, and personal elements such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although several side effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly common and frequently improve as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Unwanted Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be worsened by the current treatment, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."

You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician about any lack of meaningful enhancement in low mood or worry signs after an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.

Personal inclination is furthermore important. Some patients may want to evade certain side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Brenda Levy
Brenda Levy

Tech enthusiast and AI researcher with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their societal impacts.