Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• An comprehensive latest study determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Some drugs led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied notably among medications.
• Patients suffering from continuing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions should discuss with a healthcare professional.

New research has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This comprehensive investigation, published on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the first two months of commencing medication.

The researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to address depression. While not all individuals experiences side effects, several of the most common noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was connected with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare experts commented that the study's conclusions are not new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations across a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing findings from over 58,000 subjects," the expert added.

This research delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, based on the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may comprise:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to note here is that there are various different categories of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative medication effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect every individual variably, and negative reactions can vary according to the particular medication, dosage, and patient considerations like body chemistry or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and frequently get better with time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person encounters ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the present treatment, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

You may also contemplate consulting with your doctor about any lack of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators following an sufficient testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Patient choice is furthermore important. Some patients may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition