Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Range by Drug

• A large new investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs caused weight loss, whereas others caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore differed notably between medications.
• Patients experiencing continuing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions should consult a healthcare professional.

New research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

This comprehensive study, released on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of commencing medication.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically prescribed to address depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, certain of the most common noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable disparities among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, creating a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical professionals noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these variations among a wide spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing data from over 58,000 individuals," this expert commented.

The research offers robust support of the degree of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or loss, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, rarer but medically important side effects may comprise:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse medication side effects," another specialist stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient variably, and negative effects can vary depending on the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and individual factors like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant side effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with duration or management strategies," a expert said.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the current drug, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

You may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Personal choice is also crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to evade specific side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition