Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- A comprehensive new research found that the side effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
- Certain drugs resulted in weight loss, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
- Heart rate and BP additionally differed markedly between treatments.
- Patients experiencing persistent, severe, or troubling side effects should discuss with a healthcare professional.
Recent research has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.
This comprehensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.
The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently employed to treat depression. Although not all individuals experiences side effects, some of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
There were notable disparities among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.
Additionally, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a difference of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg variation noted across nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Side Effects Include a Broad Range
Healthcare experts noted that the study's conclusions are not considered new or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one expert stated.
"However, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing information from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.
This research delivers strong proof of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may comprise:
- stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
- sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, based on the drug)
- sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, sweating, head pain
At the same time, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are various different categories of antidepressants, which result in the different negative medication effects," a different expert commented.
"Moreover, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and negative effects can differ based on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and personal elements including body chemistry or comorbidities."
Although some unwanted effects, including variations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably typical and frequently improve over time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.
"An change in depression drug may be necessary if the individual experiences continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist commented.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."
Individuals may furthermore contemplate talking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety indicators after an sufficient trial period. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.
Personal choice is furthermore significant. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition