Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A extensive latest study determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally varied notably between treatments.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects must consult a healthcare professional.

Recent investigations has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This comprehensive investigation, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of starting medication.

These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to manage depression. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users increased almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. BP varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the investigation's results are not new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these variations among a broad range of bodily measurements employing information from over 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, depending on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less common but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to remember here is that there are various different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and negative reactions can range according to the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and frequently improve with time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

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

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual encounters persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or management strategies," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the current drug, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate speaking with your doctor about any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or worry signs after an sufficient testing period. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Patient choice is also important. Some patients may choose to avoid certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition