Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• An extensive latest investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some medications led to decreased mass, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally varied notably between drugs.
• Individuals experiencing continuing, serious, or concerning side effects must speak with a medical provider.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The large-scale study, issued on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

These researchers examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently used to manage major depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most common observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant variations among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, causing a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare experts observed that the study's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one professional commented.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, relative quantification of these disparities among a broad array of bodily measurements employing data from over 58,000 individuals," the professional noted.

The study provides robust evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or reduction, based on the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are various different categories of depression drugs, which lead to the varying adverse medication reactions," another professional explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person distinctly, and negative side effects can range based on the specific drug, dose, and personal factors such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could require a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual experiences ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," one specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

Individuals may also consider consulting with your physician concerning any lack of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Patient preference is also crucial. Some individuals may prefer to avoid particular unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition