Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• An extensive recent investigation found that the side effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably across treatments.
• Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions should speak with a physician.

Recent studies has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.

This extensive investigation, released on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently employed to treat clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking differences across antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was connected with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a difference of around 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among one drug and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the investigation's findings aren't novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct depression drugs range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one expert explained.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, relative measurement of these differences among a extensive array of bodily measurements employing data from over 58,000 subjects," this expert noted.

The research delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or decrease, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"An important point to note here is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different specialist stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each patient differently, and adverse side effects can vary based on the specific medication, dosage, and patient considerations such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While some side effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and frequently get better with time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could require a change in your medication.

"An change in depression drug may be necessary if the patient encounters ongoing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may additionally contemplate talking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety symptoms following an appropriate trial period. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Patient preference is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may prefer to avoid specific adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition