Antidepressant Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Depending on Medication

- An comprehensive recent investigation determined that the side effects of depression drugs range significantly by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas others caused increased body weight.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly across medications.
- Patients encountering continuing, intense, or concerning unwanted effects ought to consult a physician.
Latest research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.
The large-scale study, published on the 21st of October, examined the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of starting treatment.
These researchers examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat major depression. While not everyone experiences side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed significant disparities across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was associated with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.
Additionally, significant changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen among one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Include a Wide Array
Medical experts observed that the research's findings are not considered new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one expert stated.
"However, what is notable about this study is the thorough, relative measurement of these disparities among a extensive array of bodily measurements employing data from over 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.
The study delivers comprehensive proof of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (addition or decrease, according to the agent)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
- dry mouth, moisture, headache
At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:
- rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"One thing to note regarding this matter is that there are several different types of depression drugs, which result in the different adverse drug effects," a different specialist explained.
"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence every individual differently, and unwanted reactions can vary depending on the particular drug, amount, and individual considerations like metabolic rate or comorbidities."
Although some side effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and often enhance with time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Physician Regarding Intense Side Effects
Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.
"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a expert said.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."
Individuals may also contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider about any absence of meaningful progress in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an appropriate evaluation duration. An appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.
Individual choice is furthermore important. Some people may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition