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

• A large recent research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, whereas others caused increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly between treatments.
• Patients experiencing ongoing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects ought to consult a physician.

Latest research has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This large-scale study, published on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.

These scientists analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly employed to manage depression. Although not every patient encounters unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the research were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant variations between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between one drug and another medication.

Clinical specialists commented that the investigation's conclusions aren't new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative measurement of these variations across a extensive array of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist commented.

This research provides robust evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than others. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different negative drug side effects," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each person distinctly, and negative effects can vary based on the exact medication, amount, and personal considerations like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some unwanted effects, such as variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in severity, which could require a change in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," a expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."

You may furthermore consider consulting with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient testing period. An appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Patient preference is additionally significant. Some people may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition