Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive recent research determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in decreased mass, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied markedly across treatments.
• Those encountering persistent, serious, or concerning unwanted effects should discuss with a physician.

Latest studies has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The extensive research, published on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting medication.

The investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to treat depression. While not every patient experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were significant disparities between antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users gained close to 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of around 21 BPM between the two medications. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference seen among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical professionals noted that the study's conclusions are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications range in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences across a broad array of physical indicators using findings from more than 58,000 participants," this professional added.

This research provides strong proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to note here is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different adverse pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each patient variably, and unwanted side effects can vary based on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and often enhance as time passes, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the person encounters ongoing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore consider speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an adequate trial period. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Individual preference is also crucial. Certain patients may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition