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

• A large latest research found that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications led to weight loss, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged notably across drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

New studies has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This comprehensive research, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting treatment.

These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage major depression. While not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable variations among depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day course of one medication was associated with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, significant changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would decrease heart rate, whereas another medication increased it, producing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation seen among one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare experts observed that the investigation's conclusions are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," one expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these differences among a wide array of physical indicators utilizing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the expert commented.

This investigation delivers robust evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

• rises in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are various different categories of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted drug side effects," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each patient differently, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although some adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and frequently get better over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your physician concerning any lack of substantial enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms after an appropriate evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Individual inclination is furthermore significant. Some individuals may prefer to prevent certain side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition