Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range by Drug

• A extensive new investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
• Some medications resulted in weight loss, while others resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally varied markedly among medications.
• Those suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning unwanted effects must discuss with a physician.

New studies has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This large-scale research, released on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the first two months of starting medication.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to treat clinical depression. While not everyone experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the study were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed notable disparities between antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of one medication was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the two medications. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among one drug and another medication.

Clinical experts noted that the research's findings are not considered new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, relative quantification of these variations throughout a extensive range of physiological parameters using data from over 58,000 participants," this specialist added.

The research delivers robust proof of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or loss, based on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to note here is that there are various distinct types of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct adverse medication effects," another professional stated.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person variably, and negative side effects can range according to the particular drug, dosage, and individual elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although some unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in intensity, which could justify a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient suffers ongoing or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may furthermore consider talking with your doctor concerning any lack of substantial improvement in depression-related or worry signs following an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual choice is also significant. Some individuals may prefer to prevent specific unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition