Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• A large latest study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly across medications.
• Patients suffering from persistent, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must speak with a physician.

Recent investigations has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of beginning medication.

The scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently used to treat clinical depression. While not every patient encounters adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent recorded in the research were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking disparities across depression treatments. For example, an two-month course of one medication was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals added close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas another medication elevated it, creating a gap of around 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical specialists commented that the study's conclusions aren't novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one expert stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities across a extensive spectrum of physical indicators utilizing data from more than 58,000 participants," this professional added.

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

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, based on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to remember here is that there are several varying types of antidepressants, which result in the varying negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and unwanted side effects can vary according to the specific drug, dose, and individual elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While several unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in severity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An change in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," one expert stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may also consider speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of substantial improvement in depression-related or worry indicators after an sufficient testing period. An appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Individual inclination is additionally significant. Some patients may want to prevent certain side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition