Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New research delivers comprehensive proof of the extensive range of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A comprehensive latest investigation found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals resulted in reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure additionally diverged significantly between treatments.
  • Patients encountering continuing, serious, or troubling side effects should discuss with a medical provider.

Latest research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The comprehensive study, issued on the 21st of October, examined the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing therapy.

The scientists studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to address major depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common observed in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable variations among antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was connected with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same duration.

Furthermore, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, creating a gap of about 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference seen across nortriptyline and another medication.

Antidepressant Side Effects Encompass a Wide Range

Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's results are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different depression drugs range in their influences on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a extensive array of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

This research offers strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant side effects may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (gain or decrease, based on the drug)
  • sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

  • rises in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval extension (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are various different categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying negative drug effects," a different professional commented.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence every individual variably, and adverse effects can vary based on the specific medication, dosage, and individual factors including metabolism or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly typical and frequently get better over time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider About Intense Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could require a modification in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual suffers persistent or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may also consider consulting with your physician about any deficiency of meaningful enhancement in low mood or worry signs after an appropriate trial period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Individual choice is additionally significant. Certain individuals may choose to evade certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Allison Houston
Allison Houston

A seasoned workplace consultant with over a decade of experience in optimizing office dynamics and boosting team performance through innovative solutions.