Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

- A large new research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
- Certain medications caused weight loss, while others led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally differed significantly among medications.
- Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must speak with a healthcare professional.
Latest studies has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.
The comprehensive research, released on October 21st, assessed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting treatment.
These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically employed to treat major depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed notable disparities among antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day regimen of one medication was associated with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.
There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a gap of approximately 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Array
Healthcare professionals observed that the study's findings aren't recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressants vary in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a expert explained.
"However, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these variations across a broad range of physiological parameters using findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.
The investigation offers robust proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:
- stomach problems (nausea, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, depending on the drug)
- rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, moisture, head pain
Additionally, less common but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct unwanted medication reactions," a different specialist explained.
"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person distinctly, and adverse reactions can range based on the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and patient factors such as metabolism or comorbidities."
Although certain adverse reactions, such as changes in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably typical and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Doctor Regarding Serious Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could require a change in your treatment.
"A change in depression drug may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," a specialist commented.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the current drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."
Individuals may furthermore think about consulting with your physician regarding any absence of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient trial period. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.
Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Some patients may choose to prevent specific side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition