Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range by Drug

• An extensive latest research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
• Some medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally varied significantly between drugs.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must consult a medical provider.

Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

This extensive research, released on October 21st, examined the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of starting treatment.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly employed to manage major depression. While not everyone experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

There were striking differences between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists commented that the research's findings are not new or startling to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their effects on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparative assessment of these differences among a broad range of physiological parameters utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the expert added.

This investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or reduction, depending on the drug)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are several varying classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug effects," another specialist stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and negative side effects can range according to the exact drug, amount, and patient factors like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, like changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the individual suffers continuing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."

Patients may also contemplate speaking with your doctor concerning any lack of significant enhancement in depression-related or worry symptoms following an adequate trial period. An adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Personal choice is also important. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent specific adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition