Antidepressant Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive new investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and BP also differed notably across medications.
• Those suffering from persistent, intense, or troubling side effects must discuss with a physician.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 medications typically employed to treat clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, some of the most common noted in the study were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a disparity of about 21 BPM across the both treatments. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical specialists commented that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these variations among a broad spectrum of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

The research provides comprehensive proof of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct types of depression drugs, which result in the varying adverse pharmaceutical side effects," another expert commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual variably, and negative effects can vary depending on the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and personal considerations such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, including changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and commonly improve as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could justify a change in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person suffers persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," one professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

You may furthermore contemplate consulting with your physician about any absence of meaningful improvement in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms after an adequate testing period. An sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal preference is also important. Some patients may prefer to prevent particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition