Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive new investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications led to reduced body weight, while different drugs led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed markedly among treatments.
• Individuals experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a medical provider.

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

The extensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting treatment.

These researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat depression. While not every patient develops side effects, several of the most frequent noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable disparities between antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was linked to an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow heart rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, causing a gap of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. BP differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed across one drug and doxepin.

Medical professionals commented that the study's results are not recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants differ in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a specialist commented.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities among a extensive array of bodily measurements utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

This investigation delivers strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or reduction, based on the drug)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to note here is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which lead to the varying adverse pharmaceutical side effects," a different professional explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each patient differently, and adverse effects can vary depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While some side effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably common and frequently improve over time, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers continuing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."

Individuals may additionally contemplate consulting with your doctor regarding any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an appropriate trial period. An appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Personal preference is furthermore important. Some people may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition