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

- An comprehensive latest research discovered that the side effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, while different drugs led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged significantly across drugs.
- Those suffering from persistent, severe, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a medical provider.
New investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.
The comprehensive study, released on October 21st, examined the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning medication.
These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically employed to address depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.
There were significant differences among antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Furthermore, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of around 21 BPM among the two medications. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed among one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Spectrum
Clinical experts observed that the study's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist stated.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a broad array of physical indicators utilizing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," the expert added.
The investigation provides robust evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant unwanted effects may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, according to the medication)
- rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, head pain
Meanwhile, rarer but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:
- rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"An important point to note in this context is that there are various varying classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying negative medication side effects," a different professional commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and adverse effects can range based on the specific medication, amount, and personal considerations such as metabolism or comorbidities."
While certain side effects, including variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably typical and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician Concerning Severe Side Effects
Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your drug.
"A modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient experiences continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," one specialist commented.
"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing medication, such as elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."
Patients may additionally think about consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an adequate testing period. The adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.
Personal choice is additionally important. Some patients may prefer to avoid specific side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition