Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

Recent research provides strong evidence of the extensive range of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A large recent investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressants differ significantly by drug.
  • Some medications caused decreased mass, while other medications led to weight gain.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally varied notably between treatments.
  • Individuals encountering ongoing, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.

Latest studies has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive study, released on the 21st of October, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing medication.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat major depression. While not everyone encounters side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking variations between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, while another medication raised it, producing a gap of about 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg difference seen among one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Wide Range

Clinical professionals observed that the research's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these variations among a broad range of physiological parameters using information from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This study delivers robust evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common depression drug side effects may comprise:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, according to the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are multiple different types of depression drugs, which result in the varying negative drug reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and negative effects can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and personal elements like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, including variations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are quite typical and often enhance with time, others may be less common or more persistent.

Speak with Your Physician Concerning Intense Side Effects

Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the individual encounters continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may furthermore contemplate speaking with your doctor about any deficiency of significant progress in depression-related or anxiety indicators following an sufficient testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Patient choice is additionally crucial. Some patients may choose to avoid certain adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Crystal Fuller
Crystal Fuller

A passionate writer and digital strategist with a knack for uncovering trends and sharing actionable advice in the creative industry.