Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• An comprehensive recent research discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to weight gain.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore differed significantly across treatments.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or concerning side effects must discuss with a physician.

New research has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This extensive research, released on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of commencing therapy.

These researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage major depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, certain of the most common recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable differences between depression treatments. For example, an two-month treatment period of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the same period.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow pulse rate, while another medication raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare professionals noted that the research's findings are not new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," a professional commented.

"However, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these differences across a wide spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings 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 prevalent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

Additionally, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative medication reactions," a different expert stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can affect each patient variably, and negative reactions can range according to the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient elements such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While some unwanted effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and commonly improve as time passes, others may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the individual experiences ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may also contemplate speaking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of significant progress in depression-related or anxiety-related signs after an sufficient evaluation duration. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Patient preference is furthermore crucial. Some patients may want to prevent particular unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition