Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• A extensive latest study discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also diverged significantly between drugs.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects must speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, published on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of commencing medication.

The scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications typically employed to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were significant disparities among depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug users increased close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, causing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen among nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical professionals noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered recent or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these differences throughout a extensive range of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 participants," this specialist added.

This study offers comprehensive support of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to remember here is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert commented.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each patient differently, and negative reactions can differ based on the specific medication, amount, and individual elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While certain adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and commonly enhance over time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may differ in intensity, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient experiences continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or management strategies," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician regarding any absence of significant progress in low mood or anxiety signs after an sufficient testing period. The adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Patient choice is additionally crucial. Some patients may choose to prevent specific adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition