Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

• A extensive recent research found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range significantly by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, while other medications led to weight gain.
• Pulse rate and BP also differed markedly across treatments.
• Patients experiencing persistent, serious, or concerning side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.

New research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The extensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of commencing medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, several of the most frequent noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant differences among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an mean weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added close to 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline increased it, causing a disparity of about 21 BPM across the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and another medication.

Clinical experts observed that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications range in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"However, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these variations among a wide range of physical indicators using information from more than 58,000 individuals," the professional noted.

This investigation delivers robust support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying categories of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted drug reactions," a different professional explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence every individual distinctly, and unwanted effects can differ according to the particular drug, dosage, and personal elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While certain side effects, like changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often get better over time, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may also contemplate speaking with your doctor about any lack of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient testing period. The appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.

Patient preference is furthermore important. Certain individuals may want to avoid certain unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition