Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive new study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
• Some medications resulted in decreased mass, whereas other medications led to added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also varied notably among medications.
• Individuals encountering ongoing, severe, or concerning unwanted effects should consult a healthcare professional.

New research has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive investigation, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial two months of commencing therapy.

These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the research were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant variations among antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users added close to 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would reduce heart rate, in contrast another medication increased it, causing a difference of about 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals noted that the research's conclusions are not considered new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these variations across a broad spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 subjects," the expert noted.

This study offers comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct adverse drug reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and unwanted reactions can differ based on the specific medication, dose, and individual considerations like metabolism or comorbidities."

Although certain side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are fairly frequent and often get better over time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual suffers continuing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," one professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."

You may also consider talking with your doctor concerning any lack of significant improvement in depressive or worry signs subsequent to an appropriate testing period. The adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Patient preference is furthermore significant. Certain people may prefer to prevent certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition