Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Depending on Medication

• A large latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
• Some drugs led to decreased mass, while others led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged significantly across drugs.
• Those encountering continuing, intense, or worrisome side effects must speak with a physician.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This comprehensive research, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting therapy.

These investigators studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically prescribed to manage major depression. While not everyone encounters adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent observed in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were significant disparities across antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

There were also, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical professionals observed that the investigation's findings are not new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences throughout a broad range of physical indicators employing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.

This research offers comprehensive proof of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or reduction, according to the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less common but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to consider here is that there are various different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the different adverse drug effects," a different specialist explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each person distinctly, and negative reactions can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and patient elements like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, like changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the individual encounters persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may additionally think about talking with your doctor regarding any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms after an appropriate testing period. An sufficient testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Certain individuals may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition