Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• A large recent investigation determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore differed markedly across drugs.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, serious, or troubling side effects ought to speak with a physician.

Recent research has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of starting medication.

The researchers analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to manage major depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, significant changes in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation seen across nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical professionals commented that the investigation's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one professional explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative quantification of these variations throughout a wide spectrum of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 participants," this professional noted.

The study provides comprehensive proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are several different classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the different unwanted medication reactions," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact each patient differently, and adverse reactions can vary depending on the particular medication, amount, and patient elements like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are quite typical and commonly improve as time passes, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual encounters persistent or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be worsened by the current medication, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may furthermore think about talking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of meaningful progress in depression-related or worry symptoms subsequent to an adequate testing period. An adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is additionally important. Some individuals may choose to avoid particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition