Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

- A large latest research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while other medications caused weight gain.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied markedly across medications.
- Patients encountering continuing, intense, or concerning unwanted effects should speak with a physician.
Recent investigations has found that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.
The comprehensive study, published on October 21, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing treatment.
The researchers studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically employed to address major depression. While not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, certain of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed striking variations across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.
There were also, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen across one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Include a Extensive Range
Medical specialists commented that the research's results are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one professional explained.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities across a broad array of physical indicators utilizing data from over 58,000 individuals," the professional noted.
This investigation provides robust evidence of the extent of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
- sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, headache
Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in BP or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"An important point to consider here is that there are several distinct classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the different negative drug side effects," another specialist commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient variably, and adverse effects can range depending on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and personal elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
While several unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly common and frequently enhance as time passes, others may be less typical or more persistent.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Serious Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.
"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," one specialist stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."
You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry symptoms after an appropriate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4â8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.
Individual choice is furthermore significant. Certain people may choose to prevent particular adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition