Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• An extensive latest research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs led to decreased mass, while other medications led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied markedly across medications.
• Individuals experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent research has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This extensive study, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of starting treatment.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to address clinical depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant variations among antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, notable changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow heart rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

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

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications range in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences throughout a extensive array of physiological parameters utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The research offers strong proof of the degree of side effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

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

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to consider here is that there are various distinct categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient variably, and negative reactions can differ depending on the specific drug, amount, and individual considerations including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

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

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in severity, which could require a change in your treatment.

"An change in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," a specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may furthermore contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of meaningful progress in low mood or worry indicators following an sufficient testing period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Patient inclination is additionally crucial. Some individuals may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition