Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ by Drug

• An large recent study discovered that the side effects of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Certain medications led to reduced body weight, whereas others resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and BP additionally differed significantly between drugs.
• Patients suffering from continuing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should discuss with a physician.

Latest research has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

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

The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to address major depression. Although not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable disparities between depression treatments. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an mean weight loss of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals gained almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would slow heart rate, while nortriptyline raised it, causing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical experts noted that the research's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these differences among a wide spectrum of bodily measurements using information from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert added.

The study offers comprehensive support of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (increase or loss, based on the medication)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• increases in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to note regarding this matter is that there are several distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the different adverse pharmaceutical effects," another expert commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and unwanted effects can differ according to the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and individual factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although certain side effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably common and frequently get better over time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your drug.

"A change in depression drug may be warranted if the person suffers persistent or unbearable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," a professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the existing treatment, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

You may also contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms following an adequate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Some patients may want to avoid particular unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition