Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive latest research found that the side effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and BP furthermore varied markedly across drugs.
• Patients encountering ongoing, severe, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This extensive research, issued on October 21st, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of beginning therapy.

The investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to manage clinical depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most common observed in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking variations among antidepressant medications. For example, an 60-day course of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients increased nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a gap of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical specialists noted that the study's results aren't new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these disparities throughout a broad range of physical indicators employing information from over 58,000 individuals," the expert commented.

This study provides robust support of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the drug)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"A key factor to remember here is that there are various varying classes of depression drugs, which result in the distinct adverse drug side effects," a different professional explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can affect every individual variably, and adverse reactions can vary depending on the specific medication, dose, and individual elements like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and often get better over time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the person encounters persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the present treatment, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Personal preference is also crucial. Some individuals may prefer to avoid certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition