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

• A large latest study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally differed markedly among medications.
• Those experiencing ongoing, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must speak with a medical provider.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale research, published on October 21st, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of commencing treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to address depression. Although not everyone encounters adverse reactions, several of the most common observed in the study were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts commented that the investigation's findings are not novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these disparities across a wide array of physical indicators utilizing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

This study provides strong proof of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to note in this context is that there are several different categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," a different professional commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient variably, and negative effects can range according to the particular medication, dosage, and personal factors such as metabolism or comorbidities."

While several adverse reactions, including variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently improve with time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a modification in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may also contemplate consulting with your physician concerning any lack of substantial enhancement in depressive or anxiety signs following an sufficient trial period. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Patient choice is additionally significant. Some patients may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition