Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while other medications caused increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore diverged significantly between drugs.
• Those suffering from persistent, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions must speak with a medical provider.

New research has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive research, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of beginning therapy.

These researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to address clinical depression. While not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable differences among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug users added almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce pulse rate, while another medication raised it, producing a difference of around 21 BPM between the two drugs. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists commented that the research's conclusions are not novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications vary in their influences on weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these variations across a wide range of bodily measurements using findings from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The investigation provides strong evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Frequent depression drug side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or loss, based on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are various varying classes of antidepressants, which result in the different negative medication side effects," a different expert stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual variably, and negative side effects can differ depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal considerations including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, including variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly typical and commonly improve as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters ongoing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an appropriate testing period. The sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Patient inclination is additionally significant. Certain patients may want to prevent particular side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition