Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• A extensive recent study found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore differed notably among medications.
• Individuals experiencing continuing, severe, or concerning unwanted effects must speak with a physician.

Recent studies has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.

This extensive research, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of commencing medication.

The researchers analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat major depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was linked to an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the same period.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication raised it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical professionals commented that the study's findings aren't recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative quantification of these differences across a wide array of physiological parameters using findings from more than 58,000 subjects," the expert commented.

This research provides strong proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, according to the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:

• rises in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are various different types of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and unwanted side effects can range according to the specific medication, amount, and patient considerations such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently improve over time, others may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.

"A modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient encounters continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the present drug, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."

Patients may also consider talking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators after an appropriate testing period. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Personal choice is also significant. Certain individuals may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition