Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication

• An large new investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in decreased mass, while others led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and BP furthermore differed markedly across medications.
• Those encountering persistent, serious, or concerning side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent research has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This comprehensive study, published on October 21st, assessed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of starting medication.

These investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the research were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were significant variations across antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users increased almost 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, while another medication increased it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen among nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the study's conclusions are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different depression drugs vary in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a professional commented.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparative assessment of these variations across a broad spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

This investigation delivers strong proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

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

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to remember in this context is that there are several different types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct unwanted drug side effects," a different expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient distinctly, and adverse reactions can range based on the specific medication, dosage, and personal factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although some unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often get better over time, others may be less typical or continuing.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in severity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current drug, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider about any lack of significant enhancement in depression-related or worry signs following an sufficient testing period. An appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Patient choice is also crucial. Some individuals may want to prevent specific adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition