Antidepressant Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive latest study discovered that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in reduced body weight, while different drugs caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally diverged notably across drugs.
• Patients encountering continuing, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions must consult a medical provider.

New studies has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive study, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of starting treatment.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs typically used to address major depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking disparities between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of about 21 BPM across the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical experts observed that the study's findings aren't novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one expert stated.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities among a extensive spectrum of physical indicators employing findings from over 58,000 subjects," this specialist noted.

The study delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• stomach problems (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or reduction, according to the medication)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, moisture, head pain

At the same time, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual distinctly, and unwanted effects can differ according to the exact drug, dose, and individual considerations like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently improve with time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," one professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may furthermore think about consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety-related signs following an appropriate trial period. An adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Some individuals may choose to prevent certain unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition