Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

• An extensive new investigation found that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Some medications led to weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied significantly among treatments.
• Those suffering from ongoing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects should speak with a physician.

New investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The large-scale research, published on October 21, examined the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting therapy.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly employed to address depression. Although not everyone experiences side effects, certain of the most prevalent observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed striking differences between depression treatments. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, notable variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, creating a gap of about 21 BPM between the two medications. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen across one drug and another medication.

Medical specialists observed that the research's results are not new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, relative quantification of these disparities throughout a extensive range of physiological parameters using information from over 58,000 subjects," this expert commented.

The study provides robust support of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (addition or loss, depending on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but medically important unwanted effects may include:

• rises in BP or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to consider here is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each person differently, and adverse side effects can range based on the particular medication, amount, and individual factors including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and commonly improve over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your medication.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the person encounters continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may also consider consulting with your doctor concerning any absence of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety indicators subsequent to an sufficient trial period. An appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Patient inclination is additionally crucial. Certain people may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition