Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Depending on Medication

- An comprehensive latest research determined that the side effects of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
- Certain drugs led to weight loss, while other medications led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed significantly among drugs.
- Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must discuss with a medical provider.
New research has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.
The extensive investigation, issued on October 21st, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.
These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 medications commonly employed to address depression. Although not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed striking differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased almost 2 kg in the identical period.
There were also, significant variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, causing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Array
Healthcare experts observed that the investigation's results aren't novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these variations among a wide array of physiological parameters using data from more than 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.
The research offers strong evidence of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
- sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
- oral dehydration, sweating, headache
Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:
- increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"One thing to note in this context is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which result in the varying negative medication effects," a different expert explained.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each person variably, and unwanted side effects can range based on the exact drug, dosage, and patient considerations like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
Although several adverse reactions, including changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly typical and commonly get better over time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Intense Side Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.
"A change in depression drug may be warranted if the person experiences persistent or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," one professional said.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."
Patients may additionally consider speaking with your physician about any deficiency of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators following an appropriate testing period. An appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4β8 weeks at a treatment amount.
Patient preference is also crucial. Some patients may want to avoid certain unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition