Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• An extensive recent investigation found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly among drugs.
• Those suffering from continuing, severe, or concerning unwanted effects should speak with a medical provider.

New research has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, issued on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first two months of commencing medication.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically employed to address depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking differences across depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week course of one medication was associated with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals added almost 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of about 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare experts noted that the research's conclusions are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one professional stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, relative measurement of these variations across a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing information from over 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.

The investigation provides comprehensive proof of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than others. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted medication reactions," another specialist stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each person variably, and unwanted reactions can vary based on the specific medication, amount, and patient factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less typical or continuing.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or unbearable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," one specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the present medication, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."

You may additionally contemplate consulting with your doctor regarding any absence of significant progress in low mood or anxiety signs subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Personal preference is additionally significant. Certain individuals may choose to prevent specific unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition