Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive latest research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications caused weight loss, while other medications led to added mass.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged markedly between medications.
• Those encountering continuing, serious, or concerning side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the initial two months of beginning treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly employed to manage major depression. Although not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable differences among depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, causing a disparity of about 21 beats per minute among the two medications. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical specialists noted that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these differences across a extensive spectrum of physical indicators utilizing findings from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist commented.

The research offers strong support of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, according to the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to consider here is that there are multiple different types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct unwanted medication reactions," another specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each person variably, and unwanted effects can range based on the exact medication, dosage, and patient considerations like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although some adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or management strategies," a specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the present drug, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore consider talking with your doctor concerning any lack of substantial improvement in depressive or worry signs subsequent to an adequate testing period. An appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Patient preference is also crucial. Certain patients may prefer to prevent specific adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition