Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Depending on Medication

- An comprehensive new research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, whereas others led to weight gain.
- Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore differed markedly between treatments.
- Individuals experiencing persistent, intense, or concerning adverse reactions ought to consult a healthcare professional.
Recent research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.
This large-scale research, published on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of starting treatment.
The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to address depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed significant disparities among antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was associated with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent period.
There were also, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication raised it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Encompass a Extensive Range
Healthcare specialists commented that the research's results are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that distinct depression drugs vary in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these variations throughout a wide spectrum of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.
This research provides robust support of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may include:
- digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (addition or reduction, depending on the agent)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
- dry mouth, perspiration, migraine
Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:
- increases in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"One thing to note in this context is that there are several different categories of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative drug reactions," another specialist stated.
"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and unwanted effects can range depending on the particular drug, amount, and personal elements including metabolic rate or comorbidities."
While several side effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently improve as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Doctor Concerning Severe Side Effects
Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could warrant a change in your medication.
"An modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual suffers persistent or unbearable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," one professional stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."
Individuals may also contemplate consulting with your doctor about any lack of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety signs subsequent to an adequate trial period. An sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.
Individual inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain people may choose to prevent specific side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition