Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

- A comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
- Certain medications led to decreased mass, while other medications caused added mass.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied notably among drugs.
- Patients suffering from continuing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions ought to consult a healthcare professional.
Recent studies has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.
This large-scale research, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of commencing treatment.
These scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently used to address depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed striking variations between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month course of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
There were also, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Array
Healthcare experts observed that the investigation's findings are not recent or surprising to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that various antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one specialist explained.
"However, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these disparities among a broad array of physical indicators using information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.
This research provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may include:
- digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (addition or reduction, depending on the drug)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, head pain
Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may comprise:
- rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"An important point to remember here is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct adverse medication reactions," a different specialist stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each person distinctly, and negative effects can range based on the particular medication, amount, and patient elements like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."
Although several side effects, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.
Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could justify a modification in your medication.
"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient experiences persistent or intolerable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one professional said.
"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the present treatment, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."
Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of significant progress in low mood or worry signs following an appropriate trial period. An sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.
Individual preference is additionally significant. Certain individuals may want to prevent particular side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition