Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive recent research discovered that the side effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while different drugs caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed significantly among medications.
• Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or concerning adverse reactions should consult a medical provider.

Latest investigations has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The large-scale research, published on October 21, examined the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

These investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to manage depression. While not everyone experiences side effects, some of the most frequent noted in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable variations between depression treatments. For example, an eight-week course of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals added nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two medications. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted across one drug and another medication.

Clinical professionals commented that the study's conclusions are not recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, relative measurement of these disparities throughout a wide spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

The research provides robust support of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or loss, depending on the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to consider here is that there are various different types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted drug effects," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each person variably, and unwanted effects can range based on the exact medication, dose, and individual elements like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although several unwanted effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably common and commonly improve over time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could require a modification in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient encounters continuing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one professional said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing medication, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may also consider speaking with your doctor about any lack of significant progress in depression-related or worry signs subsequent to an adequate testing period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dosage.

Individual inclination is also crucial. Some patients may prefer to avoid certain side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition