Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive new investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
• Some drugs led to decreased mass, while different drugs caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and BP also differed markedly among medications.
• Those suffering from continuing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions must discuss with a healthcare professional.

New research has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive study, issued on the 21st of October, examined the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial eight weeks of starting treatment.

The researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to address clinical depression. While not every patient encounters adverse reactions, some of the most frequent observed in the study were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable differences among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals gained close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts noted that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these differences across a broad array of bodily measurements employing findings from in excess of 58,000 participants," this expert added.

This study provides strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than others. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, based on the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to remember here is that there are multiple different types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying negative medication reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each patient differently, and negative effects can vary according to the exact drug, dosage, and individual factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While several unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and often enhance as time passes, others may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"An modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person encounters continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," a expert said.

"Additionally, if there is an development of new health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may additionally think about talking with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of substantial improvement in low mood or worry signs following an sufficient testing period. An adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Personal preference is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition