Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

• A large recent research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally diverged markedly between treatments.
• Patients experiencing persistent, serious, or troubling adverse reactions ought to discuss with a physician.

Latest research has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale investigation, published on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting treatment.

These investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly prescribed to treat major depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, certain of the most common recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were striking disparities among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day regimen of one medication was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical specialists observed that the investigation's results are not considered novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," a expert explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these differences among a broad spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional added.

This research provides strong evidence of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

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

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to remember here is that there are several distinct types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse medication reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each person variably, and adverse reactions can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While some unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite frequent and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant side effects may differ in intensity, which could justify a change in your medication.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the individual suffers continuing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," a expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the current drug, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may also think about talking with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in depressive or worry symptoms subsequent to an adequate testing period. An adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Individual inclination is also crucial. Some patients may prefer to avoid particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition