Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- An large recent investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
- Some medications caused reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in added mass.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied significantly among drugs.
- Those suffering from persistent, severe, or troubling side effects should discuss with a physician.
New studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.
The large-scale investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.
The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed significant differences between antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients added almost 2 kg in the same duration.
Furthermore, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, whereas another medication raised it, creating a difference of around 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Array
Healthcare experts observed that the study's conclusions are not recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one professional explained.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these variations across a broad spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist commented.
The study provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
- sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the medication)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, moisture, head pain
At the same time, less common but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple different classes of depression drugs, which result in the varying negative medication side effects," another expert stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient variably, and unwanted reactions can vary based on the exact drug, amount, and personal factors including metabolism or comorbidities."
While some unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly typical and frequently improve over time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.
Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Side Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.
"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the person encounters persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
You may furthermore contemplate consulting with your doctor concerning any deficiency of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an adequate trial period. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.
Individual choice is furthermore important. Certain people may prefer to prevent particular side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition