Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive recent investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Some medications resulted in decreased mass, while others caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore differed markedly between medications.
• Patients encountering continuing, serious, or concerning side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The large-scale investigation, published on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of starting medication.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically used to treat major depression. Although not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, several of the most frequent observed in the investigation were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable differences among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of one medication was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, marked changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen across one drug and doxepin.

Clinical professionals observed that the research's findings are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these variations across a broad spectrum of physical indicators utilizing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this professional noted.

The investigation delivers strong evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or reduction, based on the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"A key factor to note here is that there are several distinct types of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying adverse pharmaceutical effects," another specialist commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact each person differently, and adverse effects can range based on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are fairly typical and commonly enhance with time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient experiences persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," a expert stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate talking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of substantial enhancement in depressive or anxiety symptoms after an sufficient trial period. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dosage.

Individual preference is additionally crucial. Some individuals may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition