Antidepressant Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• A extensive new investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs resulted in decreased mass, while others caused increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure also differed markedly between treatments.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, serious, or concerning side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This large-scale research, released on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common noted in the study were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking variations between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg variation observed among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists observed that the study's findings aren't recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these variations throughout a wide spectrum of physiological parameters using findings from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert commented.

The investigation delivers robust evidence of the degree of side effects, several of which are more common than different reactions. Common depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, less common but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in BP or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are various varying categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different specialist stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and adverse reactions can range based on the particular medication, amount, and personal factors such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

While certain adverse reactions, such as changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the person suffers persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present drug, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore think about talking with your doctor about any lack of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators after an sufficient trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Personal inclination is also important. Some patients may want to prevent specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition