Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive new research determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications resulted in decreased mass, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also varied markedly between drugs.
• Individuals suffering from ongoing, severe, or concerning side effects must speak with a medical provider.

Recent research has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.

This comprehensive research, issued on October 21, examined the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of commencing treatment.

These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to address depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, several of the most frequent noted in the research were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable variations among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Additionally, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, while another medication raised it, producing a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed among one drug and doxepin.

Clinical specialists observed that the research's results are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various depression drugs vary in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," a expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these variations across a broad array of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this expert noted.

The study delivers comprehensive support of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or loss, according to the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are various different types of antidepressants, which result in the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient differently, and negative side effects can range according to the exact medication, dosage, and individual elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although several side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or management strategies," one professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your doctor regarding any absence of substantial enhancement in depressive or worry symptoms following an sufficient testing period. An appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.

Patient choice is additionally significant. Certain people may prefer to prevent particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition