Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Some medications resulted in weight loss, whereas others led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and BP also differed markedly among treatments.
• Those experiencing ongoing, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to discuss with a medical provider.

Recent studies has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This extensive study, published on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting treatment.

The researchers studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to address depression. While not every patient develops unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month course of one medication was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, notable variations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow heart rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical professionals commented that the research's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications range in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, relative measurement of these disparities across a broad range of bodily measurements using data from over 58,000 participants," this professional added.

The investigation provides comprehensive proof of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or decrease, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

At the same time, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

• elevations in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider here is that there are multiple distinct types of depression drugs, which lead to the different unwanted medication effects," another professional commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient differently, and unwanted effects can differ based on the particular medication, dose, and personal elements like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While several side effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably typical and frequently improve over time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be warranted if the individual experiences persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or management strategies," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be worsened by the existing medication, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may additionally consider talking with your physician concerning any absence of significant progress in depression-related or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate testing period. An appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Patient preference is additionally important. Certain patients may prefer to prevent specific side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition