Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Depending on Medication

• An large new research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications led to weight loss, while others led to weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally varied markedly across treatments.
• Patients encountering continuing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects must discuss with a physician.

Recent investigations has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting therapy.

These investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications typically used to manage clinical depression. While not everyone encounters adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the study were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant disparities across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was connected with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to reduce heart rate, whereas another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed among one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists noted that the research's results aren't novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," a expert commented.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these variations among a extensive range of physical indicators employing data from over 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

The study delivers robust support of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (increase or reduction, depending on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:

• increases in BP or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact each patient differently, and negative effects can differ according to the specific drug, amount, and individual factors such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some side effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably common and often improve as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally consider talking with your physician regarding any deficiency of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or anxiety signs following an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Individual choice is additionally important. Some people may choose to evade specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition