Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• An large recent study determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Some drugs resulted in reduced body weight, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally varied markedly between medications.
• Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or worrisome side effects ought to discuss with a physician.

Latest investigations has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This extensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning medication.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs typically used to address major depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant differences across antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month course of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Additionally, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication increased it, producing a gap of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare professionals commented that the study's results are not considered recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs vary in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one expert explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative assessment of these variations throughout a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

This investigation offers robust proof of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, based on the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
• oral dehydration, moisture, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to note regarding this matter is that there are several different types of depression drugs, which result in the different negative drug side effects," another specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each person differently, and negative reactions can differ depending on the exact medication, dose, and personal factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although some side effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and commonly get better over time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of meaningful progress in low mood or worry indicators following an adequate trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Personal inclination is additionally important. Certain individuals may want to evade specific adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition