Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, BP Changes Range by Drug

• An extensive new study found that the side effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied significantly across treatments.
• Those suffering from ongoing, severe, or troubling adverse reactions ought to speak with a physician.

Latest studies has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

The extensive research, issued on October 21st, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of commencing therapy.

The researchers studied 151 studies of 30 medications commonly employed to treat clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, certain of the most common recorded in the study were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant differences between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication raised it, creating a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists noted that the investigation's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that different antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"However, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these differences among a wide range of physiological parameters using data from over 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

This investigation delivers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or loss, based on the drug)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

At the same time, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• elevations in BP or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct types of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each patient variably, and unwanted reactions can differ based on the specific drug, amount, and patient elements such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and often improve as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could require a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual experiences ongoing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with passing days or management strategies," a specialist commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing medication, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may furthermore think about speaking with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an adequate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Patient preference is additionally crucial. Certain people may want to avoid certain side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition