Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication

New study delivers comprehensive findings of the broad range of depression treatment adverse reactions.
  • A extensive latest study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range significantly by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while different drugs led to added mass.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged significantly among medications.
  • Individuals experiencing persistent, severe, or concerning side effects should speak with a physician.

Recent research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale study, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial eight weeks of beginning medication.

The scientists examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently prescribed to address clinical depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable disparities across depression treatments. For example, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was associated with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a gap of about 21 BPM between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Side Effects Encompass a Extensive Spectrum

Healthcare professionals commented that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs range in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one professional stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these disparities among a extensive spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the professional noted.

The research delivers strong proof of the degree of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Frequent depression drug side effects may encompass:

  • digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • dry mouth, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to note here is that there are various varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different adverse drug side effects," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and negative effects can range according to the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and patient elements like body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, including variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant side effects may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."

You may also consider consulting with your doctor about any absence of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. An adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Personal preference is additionally crucial. Certain people may prefer to avoid particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Alexander Perry
Alexander Perry

A passionate writer and cultural enthusiast with a background in journalism, sharing insights on modern life and current events.