Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• A extensive new investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications led to reduced body weight, while different drugs led to increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also differed significantly across medications.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or concerning adverse reactions ought to discuss with a medical provider.

New research has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The extensive research, published on the 21st of October, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of beginning treatment.

The researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 medications typically used to address clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences side effects, some of the most prevalent noted in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable disparities among antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users added close to 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical specialists commented that the research's conclusions are not novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist commented.

"However, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, relative measurement of these variations among a wide spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert noted.

This study offers strong proof of the magnitude of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or loss, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may include:

• elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple different types of antidepressants, which lead to the different unwanted drug effects," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each person variably, and unwanted effects can range according to the specific medication, dose, and individual factors like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and often improve with time, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could require a modification in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or supportive care," a professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

Patients may furthermore contemplate consulting with your physician concerning any absence of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms following an adequate testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is additionally important. Some individuals may choose to evade particular unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition