Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Depending on Medication

- An extensive latest investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
- Certain medications led to decreased mass, whereas different drugs led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and BP additionally diverged markedly across drugs.
- Individuals suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to consult a physician.
Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than previously thought.
This comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the first two months of commencing medication.
These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically prescribed to manage depression. Although not every patient experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most common observed in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed notable variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients increased nearly 2 kg in the same duration.
Furthermore, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, producing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Range
Clinical specialists observed that the investigation's results are not considered new or unexpected to mental health professionals.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one specialist commented.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations throughout a broad array of bodily measurements using findings from over 58,000 subjects," this specialist commented.
The investigation provides comprehensive support of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than others. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (increase or reduction, according to the drug)
- sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, headache
At the same time, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:
- elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert explained.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual variably, and negative effects can differ according to the particular drug, amount, and patient elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
Although certain side effects, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently enhance with time, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.
Consult with Your Physician About Serious Side Effects
Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your treatment.
"A adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one professional commented.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."
Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of significant progress in depression-related or anxiety signs following an adequate evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.
Individual preference is also significant. Some patients may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition