Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

• An extensive recent study discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also differed markedly across drugs.
• Those encountering persistent, severe, or worrisome side effects must speak with a medical provider.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

This extensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the first two months of starting medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable differences between antidepressant medications. For example, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, marked changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a disparity of about 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted across one drug and doxepin.

Clinical specialists noted that the study's findings aren't recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these disparities across a broad spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

This research provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying unwanted medication effects," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence every individual differently, and negative side effects can differ according to the specific medication, dosage, and individual considerations such as metabolism or comorbidities."

While certain adverse reactions, including changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite common and frequently get better with time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"An modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual suffers ongoing or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."

Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your doctor about any lack of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety signs subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Personal inclination is additionally significant. Certain patients may choose to evade certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition