Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Differ Depending on Medication

- An large latest study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
- Certain medications led to decreased mass, whereas other medications led to added mass.
- Heart rate and BP additionally differed notably across treatments.
- Individuals encountering continuing, severe, or troubling side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.
Latest research has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.
The large-scale investigation, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of commencing medication.
These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed significant variations across antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an typical reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients increased nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.
Furthermore, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Array
Healthcare specialists noted that the research's conclusions are not novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications differ in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional commented.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these differences across a broad spectrum of physiological parameters using data from more than 58,000 participants," this specialist commented.
This research provides robust support of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (increase or loss, depending on the drug)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, head pain
At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:
- increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several different types of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying adverse drug effects," a different specialist stated.
"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary based on the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and personal considerations like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
While several side effects, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly typical and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Doctor Concerning Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.
"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient suffers persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," a professional stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."
Patients may also consider speaking with your physician about any lack of significant improvement in low mood or worry indicators after an appropriate trial period. An adequate testing period is usually 4β8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.
Personal inclination is also important. Certain individuals may want to prevent specific adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition