Antidepressant Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

- A extensive latest investigation found that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
- Certain medications caused reduced body weight, while different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and BP also varied notably across drugs.
- Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or worrisome side effects should consult a medical provider.
New investigations has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.
This comprehensive study, published on October 21st, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of starting therapy.
The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 medications typically used to address depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, some of the most common observed in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.
There were striking variations among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Additionally, notable fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, causing a difference of around 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted across one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Spectrum
Clinical specialists noted that the investigation's results are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," a expert stated.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these disparities throughout a extensive range of bodily measurements employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.
The study delivers robust proof of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:
- digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (increase or loss, according to the medication)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, sweating, headache
Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- rises in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or apathy
"A key factor to note in this context is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different expert stated.
"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary based on the particular medication, dose, and personal elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
Although certain adverse reactions, such as variations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently enhance over time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Serious Side Effects
Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could justify a change in your medication.
"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or supportive care," a expert said.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."
You may also consider talking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of substantial enhancement in depressive or worry signs following an adequate testing period. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Some individuals may choose to evade particular unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition