Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive recent study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged significantly between drugs.
• Patients experiencing continuing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.

Recent research has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This extensive investigation, published on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of starting treatment.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking disparities across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Furthermore, marked changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow heart rate, while another medication raised it, producing a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen among one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists commented that the research's conclusions are not novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities across a extensive range of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the expert added.

The investigation offers strong proof of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or reduction, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
• oral dehydration, moisture, headache

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"One thing to remember in this context is that there are multiple distinct types of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct adverse medication side effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact each patient differently, and unwanted side effects can differ based on the specific drug, dosage, and patient considerations like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While some side effects, including fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite common and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient encounters ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or management strategies," one specialist commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present medication, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally think about speaking with your doctor about any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or worry symptoms following an adequate testing period. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Patient choice is also important. Some patients may prefer to prevent certain unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition