Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

• An extensive recent study found that the side effects of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, while different drugs caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally varied markedly among drugs.
• Those experiencing ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.

Recent investigations has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive study, published on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of starting medication.

The researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to treat depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common recorded in the research were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking disparities between antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users added nearly 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the both treatments. BP differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the investigation's results are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications range in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these disparities across a wide array of physiological parameters using findings from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.

The study offers strong evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are multiple distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug effects," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each patient differently, and negative side effects can differ based on the particular drug, amount, and patient considerations like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently enhance over time, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could require a change in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the person experiences continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be worsened by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

You may additionally think about speaking with your physician regarding any absence of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related indicators after an sufficient trial period. An appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Individual preference is furthermore important. Some people may want to avoid certain adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition