Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Based on Pharmaceutical

- An extensive recent study discovered that the side effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, while different drugs caused increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and BP also diverged significantly across medications.
- Individuals experiencing persistent, intense, or troubling unwanted effects should speak with a physician.
New studies has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.
The large-scale investigation, issued on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.
These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically used to treat clinical depression. While not every patient encounters side effects, several of the most common recorded in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed striking differences between antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients increased almost 2 kg in the same period.
Additionally, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication raised it, creating a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Spectrum
Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's conclusions are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," a specialist commented.
"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these variations among a wide spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the professional commented.
The study delivers strong support of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
- mouth dryness, sweating, migraine
At the same time, less common but clinically significant side effects may encompass:
- increases in BP or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are various distinct types of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted drug reactions," a different specialist commented.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient distinctly, and negative reactions can range based on the specific medication, dosage, and personal elements such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."
Although certain adverse reactions, such as variations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently improve with time, others may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Doctor About Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could require a modification in your medication.
"A modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient experiences persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or management strategies," one expert stated.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the current medication, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."
Patients may additionally contemplate talking with your physician concerning any absence of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or anxiety indicators following an appropriate testing period. An appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.
Individual choice is furthermore important. Certain individuals may want to prevent certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition