Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• An large recent research determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Some medications led to weight loss, while different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore differed significantly among treatments.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This large-scale research, published on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting therapy.

The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly employed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters unwanted effects, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, marked variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, producing a difference of about 21 BPM among the two medications. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical professionals observed that the investigation's conclusions are not novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs differ in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these variations throughout a broad spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This investigation delivers robust evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are multiple different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the different unwanted medication side effects," another expert stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each person variably, and adverse reactions can range depending on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and personal considerations such as metabolism or comorbidities."

While certain adverse reactions, including variations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and frequently enhance as time passes, others may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual encounters ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing drug, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your physician about any lack of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry signs following an adequate evaluation duration. An adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Certain patients may prefer to avoid certain adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition