Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

• A large recent study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in weight loss, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly across treatments.
• Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or concerning side effects ought to consult a physician.

Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This large-scale investigation, published on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of beginning treatment.

The scientists analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently used to address clinical depression. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, certain of the most common observed in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking disparities between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, causing a gap of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists noted that the research's results are not recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," one professional explained.

"However, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these variations among a extensive array of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 subjects," the expert added.

The research provides comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical depression drug side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or decrease, based on the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

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

• increases in BP or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"An important point to note here is that there are multiple varying categories of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct adverse drug effects," a different expert commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each person distinctly, and unwanted effects can vary based on the exact medication, amount, and personal elements including body chemistry or comorbidities."

While several side effects, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly typical and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug side effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a change in your medication.

"An modification in depression drug may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or intolerable side effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," a expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may furthermore consider talking with your physician regarding any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Individual inclination is additionally crucial. Certain individuals may choose to prevent specific unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition