Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive new research discovered that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally varied significantly among medications.
• Those experiencing persistent, serious, or troubling side effects must consult a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, published on October 21st, assessed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of beginning therapy.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to treat depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, several of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed striking disparities among antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was linked to an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline increased it, producing a disparity of around 21 BPM across the two medications. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation seen across one drug and doxepin.

Medical professionals noted that the study's findings are not novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," a specialist commented.

"However, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, relative measurement of these variations among a wide range of physiological parameters utilizing data from more than 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.

This study provides strong proof of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or decrease, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• rises in BP or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct negative medication side effects," a different professional commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person distinctly, and negative side effects can differ based on the exact medication, amount, and individual factors such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although several unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and often enhance over time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the person suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," one expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

You may also think about consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety indicators after an sufficient evaluation duration. An appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Patient choice is also crucial. Certain individuals may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition