Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

- A extensive latest research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
- Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly between drugs.
- Patients experiencing continuing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects ought to speak with a physician.
Recent research has found that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.
This extensive investigation, released on October 21, assessed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of starting therapy.
The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently prescribed to address depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed striking differences between antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.
There were also, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a difference of approximately 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Comprise a Extensive Spectrum
Healthcare specialists observed that the research's findings aren't novel or surprising to psychiatrists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist explained.
"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, relative measurement of these disparities across a wide spectrum of physiological parameters employing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.
The investigation delivers robust evidence of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
- weight changes (gain or reduction, according to the drug)
- sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, moisture, headache
At the same time, rarer but medically important side effects may comprise:
- elevations in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are several varying categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying adverse pharmaceutical reactions," another expert stated.
"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person variably, and negative side effects can differ based on the specific medication, dose, and personal elements including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."
While several unwanted effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly common and commonly improve with time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Talk with Your Doctor About Serious Side Effects
Depression drug adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.
"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one specialist commented.
"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be worsened by the current treatment, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."
Patients may additionally think about consulting with your doctor concerning any deficiency of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety-related indicators after an appropriate trial period. An appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.
Patient choice is also important. Certain individuals may want to prevent specific unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition