Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An large new investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others led to weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also varied markedly between medications.
• Those experiencing persistent, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a physician.

Latest investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

The large-scale research, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of starting therapy.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to treat depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day course of one medication was connected with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

There were also, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication raised it, producing a difference of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between one drug and another medication.

Medical experts observed that the study's results aren't new or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one expert stated.

"However, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative quantification of these disparities across a extensive range of physiological parameters using findings from more than 58,000 participants," the professional added.

The research provides strong evidence of the degree of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, based on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to consider here is that there are several different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different adverse medication reactions," another professional stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each person differently, and adverse effects can range based on the specific drug, amount, and personal factors including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could justify a change in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the person suffers ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the current drug, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate talking with your doctor regarding any lack of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Patient preference is furthermore significant. Some people may want to evade certain adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition