Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive latest study found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore differed markedly among drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions ought to consult a physician.

Latest research has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The large-scale research, released on October 21st, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of starting medication.

The investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to manage depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was connected with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug users gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical professionals observed that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these variations throughout a wide range of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 subjects," this professional added.

This study delivers robust evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or loss, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are several distinct classes of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted drug side effects," another expert commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each person distinctly, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the exact medication, dose, and individual factors like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably typical and often enhance with time, others may be less common or continuing.

Depression drug side effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual experiences continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the current medication, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

You may also think about talking with your physician regarding any absence of meaningful enhancement in depressive or anxiety symptoms after an adequate evaluation duration. An adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.

Patient choice is additionally crucial. Certain patients may prefer to evade certain unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition