Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive new study found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Some drugs led to reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably between treatments.
• Patients experiencing continuing, serious, or troubling side effects should speak with a medical provider.

New studies has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive research, issued on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of beginning treatment.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently used to manage clinical depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, certain of the most common noted in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant variations across depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, while another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical professionals commented that the study's results are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one professional stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these differences among a wide range of physiological parameters using findings from over 58,000 individuals," the expert added.

This investigation provides strong evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common depression drug side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (increase or reduction, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

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

• rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several distinct classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct negative drug reactions," a different professional explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person distinctly, and negative side effects can differ depending on the particular drug, dose, and patient considerations like body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although some adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are quite common and frequently get better with time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the present treatment, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

You may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of significant improvement in depressive or worry indicators subsequent to an sufficient testing period. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Certain patients may choose to avoid specific side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition