Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive recent investigation determined that the side effects of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
• Certain drugs caused weight loss, while others resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied markedly between treatments.
• Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning unwanted effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial two months of starting treatment.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly used to address clinical depression. Although not every patient encounters adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable variations across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the investigation's conclusions are not considered new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one expert explained.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, relative quantification of these disparities among a broad spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist noted.

This investigation provides comprehensive support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or loss, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

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

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are multiple distinct types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted drug side effects," another specialist stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person variably, and adverse effects can range based on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient elements such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite common and often improve as time passes, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or management strategies," a specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may additionally think about speaking with your physician concerning any absence of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety symptoms after an adequate trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Patient preference is additionally important. Some patients may want to avoid certain unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition