Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A extensive latest study determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also diverged markedly among treatments.
• Patients experiencing continuing, severe, or concerning unwanted effects ought to speak with a physician.

Latest investigations has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This extensive research, published on October 21st, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the initial eight weeks of commencing treatment.

These investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs typically employed to treat depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable differences between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients added almost 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts observed that the investigation's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these variations throughout a extensive range of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The research offers strong evidence of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which result in the varying negative drug reactions," another expert explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and negative side effects can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and personal considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While some side effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and often improve with time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present medication, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore think about speaking with your physician about any deficiency of substantial improvement in depression-related or worry signs following an adequate trial period. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Personal inclination is furthermore significant. Some people may want to prevent certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition