Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

• A extensive new research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied significantly between treatments.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a medical provider.

Recent research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This extensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.

These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications typically prescribed to treat depression. Although not every patient encounters unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking disparities between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, causing a difference of around 21 BPM across the two medications. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen among one drug and doxepin.

Clinical experts noted that the investigation's results are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs vary in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one specialist commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences across a broad array of physical indicators using findings from more than 58,000 individuals," the specialist added.

The study offers strong evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or loss, according to the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are multiple different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative medication effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient distinctly, and negative effects can range according to the exact medication, amount, and personal considerations such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and commonly enhance over time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the person experiences ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider about any absence of significant progress in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms after an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Individual inclination is furthermore important. Certain individuals may want to prevent certain side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition