Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• A large latest investigation determined that the side effects of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, while different drugs led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also varied notably between treatments.
• Patients experiencing ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a physician.

Recent research has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This extensive research, released on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting medication.

These scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not every patient develops unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent noted in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking variations between depression treatments. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 BPM between the two medications. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed among one drug and another medication.

Clinical professionals noted that the research's findings are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one professional explained.

"However, what is notable about this study is the thorough, relative measurement of these differences throughout a broad range of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The study provides comprehensive support of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

At the same time, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to note in this context is that there are several varying categories of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct adverse medication effects," a different specialist commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual variably, and unwanted reactions can range according to the specific drug, amount, and personal factors such as metabolism or comorbidities."

Although some unwanted effects, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and often get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual encounters ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate consulting with your doctor concerning any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or worry symptoms after an appropriate evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Individual inclination is also important. Some patients may choose to avoid specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition