Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• An extensive latest research determined that the side effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also varied notably between drugs.
• Those suffering from continuing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions ought to speak with a medical provider.

New research has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This large-scale investigation, published on October 21st, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of commencing medication.

These investigators studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to treat depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, certain of the most common recorded in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients added nearly 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between one drug and another medication.

Healthcare experts commented that the research's results are not considered new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one expert commented.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these differences throughout a extensive range of bodily measurements employing information from over 58,000 subjects," the expert added.

This study offers robust support of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (increase or loss, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

• rises in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the different adverse drug effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual differently, and adverse effects can vary based on the specific drug, amount, and individual factors such as metabolism or comorbidities."

While some side effects, including changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are fairly typical and often get better as time passes, others may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could justify a change in your treatment.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient encounters ongoing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

You may additionally consider speaking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety symptoms after an sufficient testing period. An sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Personal inclination is additionally important. Certain individuals may want to avoid particular side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition