Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- A extensive latest investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
- Certain drugs resulted in decreased mass, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied notably among treatments.
- Individuals suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a healthcare professional.
Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.
This large-scale study, published on October 21st, assessed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing medication.
The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat major depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, certain of the most common observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed significant disparities among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.
There were also, notable variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM across the both treatments. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed among one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Wide Array
Clinical experts noted that the research's results are not considered new or startling to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that various antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," one expert commented.
"However, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences among a wide range of bodily measurements employing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this professional noted.
This investigation provides robust support of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, head pain
Additionally, less common but clinically significant side effects may include:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or indifference
"A key factor to note here is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another specialist stated.
"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect each patient differently, and negative side effects can differ depending on the particular drug, dose, and individual factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
Although certain adverse reactions, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently improve with time, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Intense Side Effects
Antidepressant medication side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your drug.
"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient experiences ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or supportive measures," one expert stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the current medication, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."
Individuals may also think about speaking with your physician concerning any lack of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety symptoms after an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.
Personal preference is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may choose to prevent certain unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition