Antidepressant Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive recent study found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas others resulted in increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged notably across drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to speak with a physician.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The extensive study, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of beginning treatment.

The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to address depression. While not every patient encounters adverse reactions, some of the most common noted in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable variations between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month course of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same duration.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP differed too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical specialists noted that the study's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, relative measurement of these differences across a broad range of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this specialist commented.

This investigation provides robust proof of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent depression drug side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• rises in BP or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the different adverse pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ based on the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal considerations including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, including changes in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and frequently get better as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.

Depression drug side effects may differ in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient experiences persistent or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

You may furthermore consider talking with your physician regarding any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related signs after an appropriate evaluation duration. An adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Individual preference is furthermore crucial. Certain patients may prefer to evade specific unwanted effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition