Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

• A large new research determined that the side effects of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
• Some drugs led to decreased mass, whereas other medications caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore differed significantly among treatments.
• Individuals encountering continuing, severe, or concerning side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

New research has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The large-scale investigation, published on the 21st of October, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of starting treatment.

These investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to treat clinical depression. While not every patient experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most common noted in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking disparities between depression treatments. For example, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users increased nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, marked variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted across one drug and another medication.

Clinical specialists commented that the investigation's findings are not recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one professional stated.

"However, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these disparities across a wide range of physiological parameters utilizing data from more than 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

This investigation delivers strong proof of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or decrease, according to the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

At the same time, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:

• rises in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying adverse medication side effects," another specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient differently, and negative reactions can vary depending on the particular drug, amount, and patient elements such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While several adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly typical and often enhance over time, others may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a change in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient experiences ongoing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the current treatment, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may also think about talking with your doctor concerning any lack of meaningful improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an sufficient testing period. The adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dosage.

Individual inclination is additionally crucial. Some individuals may want to prevent specific side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition