Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

Latest study offers robust findings of the broad array of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • An extensive latest investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while other medications resulted in added mass.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly between treatments.
  • Individuals encountering ongoing, serious, or troubling adverse reactions should discuss with a physician.

Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, released on the 21st of October, examined the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of starting therapy.

These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly used to treat depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed striking disparities between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals gained close to 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, notable variations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, while another medication raised it, creating a gap of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute among the both treatments. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Include a Wide Range

Medical specialists observed that the study's results aren't new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one professional explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these disparities across a wide array of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the expert added.

This study offers comprehensive support of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

  • digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

  • increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct classes of antidepressants, which lead to the different unwanted medication effects," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence every individual distinctly, and unwanted reactions can differ according to the specific medication, amount, and patient considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and often get better over time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Speak with Your Physician Regarding Severe Side Effects

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

"A modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the current medication, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

You may furthermore consider speaking with your healthcare provider about any lack of substantial enhancement in depressive or anxiety symptoms following an sufficient trial period. An sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Patient preference is additionally important. Some people may prefer to evade particular unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Adrian Mann
Adrian Mann

A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on living a vibrant and fulfilling life through personal stories and expert tips.