Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• A extensive new study determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Some medications caused weight loss, while other medications led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged notably among treatments.
• Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions ought to speak with a physician.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This comprehensive research, released on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of beginning therapy.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat major depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking disparities among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, while another medication increased it, creating a gap of approximately 21 BPM across the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical experts commented that the study's conclusions are not new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications differ in their influences on body weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparative measurement of these variations throughout a extensive range of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the expert noted.

The investigation provides strong support of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but medically important side effects may encompass:

• increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are several different types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct adverse medication side effects," another specialist explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each person variably, and negative reactions can differ according to the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and patient considerations such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although several unwanted effects, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently get better over time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your drug.

"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," a specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the current drug, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore think about talking with your physician about any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms after an adequate trial period. An adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Individual choice is additionally crucial. Some people may prefer to avoid certain side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition