Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New research delivers robust evidence of the extensive range of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A comprehensive latest research discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
  • Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore differed significantly between medications.
  • Those encountering persistent, serious, or troubling side effects ought to discuss with a physician.

Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications commonly prescribed to manage clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable variations between depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals added almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication raised it, producing a difference of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Spectrum

Healthcare specialists observed that the research's conclusions are not considered new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various depression drugs range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a professional explained.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these variations across a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 participants," this professional added.

This investigation provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • weight changes (gain or loss, according to the drug)
  • sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval extension (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct negative drug reactions," another professional commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each person differently, and adverse reactions can differ according to the exact drug, dosage, and personal factors such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Physician About Serious Side Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could justify a change in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

You may also consider consulting with your doctor concerning any absence of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety-related signs after an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is additionally significant. Some individuals may want to avoid specific side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Lisa Henderson
Lisa Henderson

A tech-savvy journalist passionate about digital trends and storytelling, with a knack for uncovering the latest in innovation.