Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Based on Pharmaceutical

- An large latest study found that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while different drugs led to weight gain.
- Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also differed markedly among drugs.
- Those suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a healthcare professional.
Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.
The extensive study, released on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of commencing therapy.
These investigators examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most common observed in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed notable variations across antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients gained nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.
Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, whereas another medication raised it, creating a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Side Effects Comprise a Wide Spectrum
Healthcare specialists commented that the study's findings aren't novel or startling to psychiatrists.
"We've long known that different depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one specialist explained.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these differences among a wide spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," this professional added.
This research provides comprehensive proof of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:
- digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, according to the agent)
- sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
- dry mouth, moisture, headache
At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:
- elevations in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"A key factor to remember here is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative drug effects," another specialist stated.
"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient variably, and adverse reactions can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and patient factors including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
While several adverse reactions, such as changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly common and frequently improve with time, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.
Speak with Your Doctor Regarding Serious Adverse Reactions
Depression drug unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.
"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive care," a specialist stated.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."
You may additionally consider consulting with your physician regarding any absence of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient testing period. An appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.
Patient inclination is additionally important. Certain individuals may prefer to evade particular unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition