Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

- A large new study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, while different drugs caused added mass.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly among drugs.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or concerning side effects must discuss with a medical provider.
Recent investigations has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.
The extensive research, published on October 21, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of starting therapy.
These researchers analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to manage major depression. Although not every patient develops side effects, some of the most common observed in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed notable disparities between depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, while nortriptyline raised it, producing a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation observed among one drug and another medication.
Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Broad Spectrum
Medical experts commented that the investigation's findings aren't recent or surprising to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that distinct depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist commented.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these differences across a broad spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.
The research offers strong evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (addition or loss, according to the drug)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- dry mouth, perspiration, headache
Meanwhile, rarer but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:
- elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several different classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the different negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional explained.
"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect every individual variably, and unwanted side effects can range based on the exact drug, dose, and patient considerations like metabolism or comorbidities."
While some unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are fairly common and often enhance as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.
Consult with Your Doctor Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.
"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," a expert stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."
Patients may also consider talking with your physician concerning any deficiency of substantial improvement in depressive or worry symptoms after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.
Individual choice is additionally significant. Certain patients may want to evade particular side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition