Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A extensive new research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Some medications resulted in reduced body weight, while others resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and BP also diverged significantly between treatments.
• Those suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a physician.

New investigations has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

The extensive investigation, released on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of starting medication.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently employed to treat major depression. Although not every patient encounters adverse reactions, some of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant disparities among antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Furthermore, marked changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among one drug and doxepin.

Clinical specialists commented that the study's results aren't recent or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs differ in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these disparities throughout a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert noted.

The study delivers strong proof of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, depending on the medication)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

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

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"A key factor to note here is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient differently, and negative side effects can differ according to the exact drug, dosage, and personal elements such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While several side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and frequently get better as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could require a change in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the person suffers continuing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

Patients may additionally think about speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of meaningful progress in low mood or worry indicators after an appropriate evaluation duration. An appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.

Patient inclination is additionally significant. Certain patients may prefer to evade certain side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition