Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive new research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Certain drugs led to reduced body weight, while different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also differed significantly across drugs.
• Patients encountering persistent, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should consult a physician.

New research has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of starting treatment.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to address major depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the research were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant disparities between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients added almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, marked changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow heart rate, while another medication raised it, causing a difference of about 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical specialists noted that the research's results are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a expert explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these variations throughout a broad spectrum of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 participants," this professional added.

The investigation delivers comprehensive support of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, based on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

• elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying adverse drug effects," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can vary based on the exact drug, amount, and personal elements like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While several side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and often improve over time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant side effects may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your drug.

"An change in depression drug may be necessary if the patient suffers continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," a specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."

You may additionally contemplate speaking with your doctor concerning any lack of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry symptoms after an sufficient testing period. An appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Certain patients may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition