Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• An large new study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while others caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore differed notably among treatments.
• Those experiencing ongoing, severe, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This extensive investigation, released on October 21, analyzed the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of starting treatment.

These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage major depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, certain of the most common noted in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking variations between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease heart rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical experts commented that the research's conclusions are not recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences among a broad range of physical indicators employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," this professional commented.

This study provides comprehensive evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

• rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct negative medication reactions," another expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient distinctly, and adverse effects can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and individual elements including body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although several unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably common and commonly enhance over time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient experiences ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or supportive care," a specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Patients may furthermore think about talking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of substantial enhancement in depressive or anxiety symptoms after an adequate testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Individual choice is also crucial. Some people may want to evade specific unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition