Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Range Based on Pharmaceutical

• An extensive new study found that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas different drugs caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied markedly between medications.
• Those encountering ongoing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects must consult a medical provider.

Latest studies has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

The extensive research, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial eight weeks of starting medication.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly used to treat depression. While not everyone experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most common observed in the study were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking differences between antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals added almost 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, producing a disparity of around 21 BPM across the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed among one drug and doxepin.

Medical experts commented that the study's conclusions aren't novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, relative assessment of these variations among a extensive range of bodily measurements employing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

This research provides robust evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative medication effects," a different professional commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each person distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, including changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and often get better with time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

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

"A modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient encounters ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be aggravated by the present drug, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

You may also think about speaking with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful progress in depressive or anxiety signs following an adequate evaluation duration. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Personal preference is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition