Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• A extensive recent study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused weight loss, while other medications led to weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied significantly among medications.
• Individuals encountering ongoing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects must speak with a physician.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of starting treatment.

The researchers analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly employed to treat depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, several of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between one drug and doxepin.

Clinical specialists observed that the research's findings are not novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one expert explained.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, relative measurement of these differences among a wide array of physiological parameters utilizing findings from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist noted.

The investigation delivers comprehensive support of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are several different types of antidepressants, which lead to the varying adverse drug reactions," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and unwanted side effects can range depending on the particular drug, amount, and individual elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve with time, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or management strategies," a specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

You may additionally contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider about any absence of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Personal inclination is additionally significant. Some individuals may choose to avoid specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition