Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

- A large recent research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
- Some drugs led to decreased mass, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged significantly between drugs.
- Patients encountering persistent, serious, or troubling adverse reactions ought to consult a physician.
Latest research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.
This comprehensive research, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of starting treatment.
The investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically employed to manage major depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed significant differences among antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same duration.
There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a gap of about 21 BPM among the two medications. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Encompass a Wide Spectrum
Medical experts observed that the investigation's conclusions are not new or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that different antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a professional explained.
"However, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these disparities throughout a extensive array of physical indicators utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the specialist commented.
This research offers strong evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the drug)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
- dry mouth, perspiration, migraine
At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:
- elevations in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple different types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another professional stated.
"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence every individual differently, and adverse side effects can vary according to the specific drug, dosage, and patient factors including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
Although several adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently get better as time passes, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant side effects may range in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.
"A change in depression drug may be warranted if the person suffers ongoing or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with time or management strategies," a specialist commented.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present treatment, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."
Patients may additionally consider speaking with your doctor concerning any absence of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms following an sufficient evaluation duration. An adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.
Personal inclination is also significant. Certain people may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition