Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range by Drug

• A comprehensive new study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Some medications led to decreased mass, whereas others caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore differed markedly between drugs.
• Those experiencing persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects ought to discuss with a medical provider.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive investigation, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of starting treatment.

These researchers examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to address major depression. Although not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, certain of the most common recorded in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to reduce heart rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of around 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between one drug and another medication.

Clinical specialists commented that the research's findings are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities throughout a broad spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

The study delivers strong support of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may include:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (gain or decrease, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are various different classes of depression drugs, which lead to the varying adverse drug reactions," a different professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and adverse effects can range according to the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient considerations such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are quite frequent and often get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient experiences persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate speaking with your physician concerning any deficiency of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an sufficient trial period. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Individual inclination is furthermore important. Certain people may prefer to prevent certain unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition