Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- An extensive latest research found that the side effects of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
- Some drugs led to reduced body weight, while others led to weight gain.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged significantly across medications.
- Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or concerning side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.
Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.
The large-scale study, released on October 21, examined the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of beginning medication.
The investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 medications typically employed to address depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed notable variations among depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug users added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.
Furthermore, marked changes in heart function: fluvoxamine often would slow cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, creating a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Wide Spectrum
Medical specialists observed that the investigation's findings are not considered new or startling to mental health professionals.
"It has long been understood that different depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative assessment of these differences among a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the expert commented.
The research provides comprehensive proof of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (increase or loss, depending on the agent)
- rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
- oral dehydration, moisture, head pain
Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"An important point to consider in this context is that there are multiple distinct types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug reactions," another professional explained.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and unwanted reactions can range based on the exact medication, amount, and patient elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."
Although several side effects, such as changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly get better over time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.
"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual experiences continuing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one professional stated.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."
Individuals may also think about speaking with your doctor regarding any absence of significant improvement in low mood or worry symptoms following an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.
Personal inclination is also significant. Certain patients may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition