Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive new research determined that the side effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably between treatments.
• Those encountering ongoing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.

New research has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.

The extensive research, published on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of starting medication.

These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 medications typically prescribed to treat depression. Although not everyone encounters unwanted effects, some of the most common observed in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant variations between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users gained close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, notable variations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen across nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications vary in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these disparities among a broad range of physiological parameters utilizing information from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This study offers comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but medically important side effects may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various distinct types of antidepressants, which result in the different adverse pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient differently, and negative reactions can range depending on the specific medication, dose, and patient elements like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While some unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are fairly common and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient encounters continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," a professional said.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."

You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician concerning any absence of meaningful improvement in low mood or worry signs subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Individual choice is additionally significant. Some patients may choose to evade certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition