Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive recent study determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications led to decreased mass, while others caused added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed notably between medications.
• Individuals encountering continuing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects should consult a physician.

New investigations has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, issued on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the initial two months of beginning treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to treat depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable variations between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, significant variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce heart rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a disparity of about 21 BPM across the two medications. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the study's findings are not considered recent or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," a professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, relative assessment of these disparities among a broad array of physical indicators utilizing findings from over 58,000 individuals," this professional added.

The research delivers strong proof of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Common depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to note in this context is that there are multiple varying categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different adverse medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and adverse side effects can range depending on the particular medication, dose, and patient considerations like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain unwanted effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often get better over time, others may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"An change in depression drug may be warranted if the person experiences continuing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one specialist commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the existing medication, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may also contemplate consulting with your physician regarding any absence of substantial enhancement in depressive or anxiety signs following an sufficient testing period. The appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Personal choice is additionally crucial. Some individuals may choose to evade certain side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition