Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication

• A large new research discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and BP additionally differed notably between drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects must speak with a physician.

Latest investigations has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The extensive study, issued on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of commencing treatment.

The researchers examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent recorded in the study were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable disparities between depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, marked variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to reduce pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a gap of approximately 21 BPM between the two medications. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts noted that the study's results are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these variations across a wide array of physical indicators using findings from over 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

This research provides strong proof of the magnitude of adverse reactions, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (gain or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

At the same time, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"One thing to remember here is that there are multiple different categories of depression drugs, which result in the distinct negative medication side effects," a different specialist explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each patient variably, and adverse side effects can range based on the particular medication, dose, and patient factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain side effects, including changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person experiences persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may also think about consulting with your doctor concerning any absence of significant progress in depression-related or anxiety symptoms after an adequate testing period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

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