Depression Drug Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive latest study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, while others caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably between drugs.
• Patients encountering continuing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects should consult a physician.

New studies has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing treatment.

These scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically used to address depression. Although not every patient experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable differences among antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day course of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication increased it, producing a difference of around 21 BPM across the two medications. BP varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed among nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical professionals commented that the research's results are not considered new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these differences throughout a broad spectrum of bodily measurements using data from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert added.

The research delivers comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, based on the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to note here is that there are several varying categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying negative drug side effects," a different expert stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the exact medication, dose, and personal considerations including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and commonly get better over time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the current treatment, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

You may also consider talking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of substantial progress in depressive or worry indicators following an appropriate trial period. An appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dosage.

Personal preference is furthermore significant. Some patients may choose to avoid particular adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition