Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive recent research discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
• Certain drugs led to weight loss, while others led to added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore diverged markedly among medications.
• Those encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest studies has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.

The extensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the first two months of commencing therapy.

The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters unwanted effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking disparities between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of one medication was connected with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical experts commented that the study's findings aren't novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities among a extensive array of physical indicators employing information from more than 58,000 subjects," the expert added.

The study provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to note here is that there are various distinct types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient distinctly, and negative side effects can vary according to the exact drug, amount, and patient considerations including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While certain side effects, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and frequently enhance as time passes, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the patient encounters continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may also contemplate consulting with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial improvement in low mood or worry symptoms subsequent to an adequate testing period. An appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Individual preference is additionally significant. Certain people may prefer to avoid particular side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition