Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive new research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
• Some medications caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs caused added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among drugs.
• Those experiencing persistent, serious, or worrisome side effects should discuss with a medical provider.

Recent research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This extensive research, published on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of beginning treatment.

These researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically prescribed to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking variations across antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals added close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of about 21 BPM among the both treatments. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts commented that the investigation's conclusions are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, relative quantification of these disparities throughout a broad array of physiological parameters using data from more than 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.

The investigation offers comprehensive support of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Common depression drug side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (gain or reduction, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

Additionally, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• rises in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember here is that there are multiple distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted drug effects," another specialist stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each patient distinctly, and adverse effects can range depending on the exact drug, amount, and individual considerations such as metabolism or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could require a change in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the current drug, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

You may also contemplate consulting with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety signs subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Individual choice is additionally significant. Certain individuals may want to evade particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition