Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A large new research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, while other medications led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally varied notably among medications.
• Patients experiencing ongoing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions ought to speak with a medical provider.

New studies has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of beginning treatment.

The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically employed to treat depression. Although not every patient develops side effects, some of the most common observed in the research were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking variations between depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline individuals gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, marked variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce pulse rate, while another medication elevated it, producing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical experts commented that the study's results are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants differ in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," a expert explained.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences across a wide array of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

This study offers strong evidence of the extent of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, headache

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

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different adverse medication side effects," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can vary based on the particular medication, amount, and patient factors such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite common and frequently get better as time passes, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could require a change in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may also contemplate talking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant progress in low mood or anxiety indicators following an sufficient testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual preference is furthermore significant. Some individuals may choose to avoid specific adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition