Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range by Drug

• An comprehensive recent investigation determined that the side effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while different drugs led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed significantly among drugs.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This extensive research, released on October 21, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of commencing medication.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs typically used to manage major depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, some of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking variations among antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow heart rate, while nortriptyline raised it, creating a gap of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical specialists commented that the study's conclusions are not considered new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that different antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," one expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these differences among a extensive range of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 subjects," the expert commented.

The study offers comprehensive evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or decrease, according to the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

At the same time, less frequent but medically important side effects may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to remember here is that there are several different categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying adverse drug side effects," a different professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and unwanted reactions can vary according to the specific drug, dose, and personal elements like metabolism or comorbidities."

Although certain side effects, like changes in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and often improve as time passes, others may be less typical or more persistent.

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

"An modification in depression drug may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

You may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an adequate trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Individual choice is also important. Certain individuals may choose to avoid particular side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition