Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive new study discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications caused decreased mass, while other medications led to weight gain.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also varied markedly between medications.
• Patients suffering from continuing, intense, or troubling side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

New investigations has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This extensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of beginning medication.

The researchers studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically used to address depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the study were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable disparities among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, producing a gap of around 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. BP differed also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among one drug and doxepin.

Medical professionals noted that the investigation's results aren't new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants range in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a expert explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, relative quantification of these disparities among a broad range of bodily measurements utilizing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the expert commented.

This research delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
• oral dehydration, moisture, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• elevations in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to remember here is that there are various different types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another professional commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and adverse reactions can range based on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and personal elements like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While certain adverse reactions, including changes in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite typical and frequently get better over time, others may be less frequent or continuing.

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

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual suffers ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a specialist said.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the existing treatment, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."

You may also consider consulting with your doctor about any deficiency of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an appropriate testing period. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.

Patient choice is additionally important. Certain patients may want to prevent particular side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition