Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

- A comprehensive recent research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
- Certain medications led to weight loss, whereas others led to weight gain.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied notably across drugs.
- Individuals suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a medical provider.
Recent investigations has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.
This extensive investigation, released on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of commencing therapy.
The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly used to address depression. While not every patient experiences side effects, certain of the most prevalent observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed notable disparities between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients increased nearly 2 kg in the identical period.
There were also, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the two drugs. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Encompass a Extensive Range
Clinical experts observed that the research's findings are not considered new or surprising to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a professional commented.
"However, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparative quantification of these disparities throughout a wide spectrum of physical indicators employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the expert added.
This investigation offers robust evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, according to the medication)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, moisture, head pain
Additionally, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"An important point to consider in this context is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct adverse medication reactions," a different expert explained.
"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each person differently, and unwanted side effects can range depending on the specific drug, amount, and patient factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."
While some unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and frequently get better with time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.
Talk with Your Physician Regarding Serious Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a modification in your medication.
"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one professional commented.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current drug, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."
Individuals may furthermore contemplate talking with your physician about any lack of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety indicators following an adequate testing period. An adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.
Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Some people may want to evade specific unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition