Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Range by Drug

• A extensive new study determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while different drugs led to added mass.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly between medications.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, serious, or troubling adverse reactions should discuss with a medical provider.

New investigations has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial two months of starting medication.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs typically used to treat depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking differences across depression treatments. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the same period.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, causing a difference of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists noted that the research's findings aren't novel or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these variations throughout a extensive array of physical indicators utilizing findings from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist commented.

This investigation delivers strong evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of depression drugs, which result in the different unwanted drug reactions," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each person distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ according to the specific drug, dosage, and individual considerations including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While certain adverse reactions, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly common and often get better over time, other effects may be less typical or continuing.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could justify a change in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," a specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent health problems that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may also contemplate consulting with your physician about any lack of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms after an adequate trial period. An sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.

Personal choice is additionally important. Certain patients may prefer to prevent particular side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition