Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• An large new study found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
• Some drugs led to reduced body weight, while different drugs led to increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among medications.
• Those suffering from ongoing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions should speak with a medical provider.

New research has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale research, issued on the 21st of October, examined the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to manage clinical depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, several of the most common noted in the investigation were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking disparities across antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant changes in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of about 21 BPM across the two medications. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across one drug and another medication.

Clinical specialists observed that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications vary in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," a expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, relative quantification of these variations across a extensive array of bodily measurements using information from in excess of 58,000 participants," this specialist commented.

This research delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than others. Frequent antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or decrease, according to the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to remember in this context is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressants, which result in the varying adverse pharmaceutical effects," a different expert stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each patient variably, and adverse reactions can differ depending on the particular drug, dosage, and patient factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may differ in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore think about talking with your physician about any lack of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. The adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Individual choice is also significant. Some individuals may prefer to evade specific side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition