Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

- An large recent investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
- Certain medications caused decreased mass, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore differed notably across drugs.
- Individuals encountering persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.
New research has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.
The comprehensive study, issued on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of starting treatment.
These scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat depression. Although not everyone encounters unwanted effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
There were striking differences between depression treatments. For example, an two-month treatment period of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals added close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.
There were also, marked variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to slow heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed between one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Side Effects Encompass a Extensive Array
Clinical specialists commented that the study's results are not considered novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," a expert commented.
"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these disparities across a extensive spectrum of physical indicators using findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this professional noted.
This investigation offers strong proof of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Common antidepressant side effects may include:
- stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the drug)
- sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
- oral dehydration, moisture, migraine
Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:
- elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of antidepressants, which result in the varying negative medication side effects," another specialist stated.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient differently, and negative side effects can differ depending on the exact medication, amount, and individual factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."
While several unwanted effects, such as variations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly common and commonly improve as time passes, other effects may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Doctor About Intense Unwanted Effects
Depression drug adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your drug.
"An modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient encounters continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or management strategies," one expert said.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."
Individuals may furthermore contemplate talking with your doctor regarding any absence of meaningful improvement in depressive or anxiety-related signs following an appropriate trial period. An sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Individual inclination is also significant. Some patients may want to avoid certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition