Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

New study offers strong findings of the wide array of depression treatment side effects.
  • An extensive recent research determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
  • Certain medications caused decreased mass, while other medications led to added mass.
  • Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged markedly across drugs.
  • Individuals encountering continuing, serious, or troubling side effects must discuss with a medical provider.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The comprehensive study, released on October 21st, analyzed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial eight weeks of starting treatment.

The researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly prescribed to address major depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent observed in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant variations across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients gained almost 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow heart rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, causing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. BP differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted between one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Include a Broad Array

Medical professionals observed that the research's results are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one specialist commented.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these variations across a extensive array of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," this specialist added.

This study offers robust support of the extent of side effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

  • stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (addition or decrease, based on the agent)
  • sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

  • rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple different types of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative medication side effects," a different professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each person differently, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the specific medication, dosage, and patient factors including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly enhance with time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Side Effects

Antidepressant side effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," a professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

Patients may additionally consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. An sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Patient inclination is additionally crucial. Some patients may choose to evade specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Ryan Guzman
Ryan Guzman

A certified wellness coach and nutritionist passionate about helping others live their healthiest lives through evidence-based practices.