Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive recent study found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Heart rate and BP also differed notably between treatments.
• Those experiencing continuing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.

Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

This comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of beginning treatment.

These investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to address major depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the research were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking differences between depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, causing a gap of around 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the investigation's results are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications differ in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these variations throughout a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing information from more than 58,000 participants," the professional noted.

The research offers strong support of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, depending on the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are various distinct types of depression drugs, which contribute to the different unwanted drug effects," a different expert explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person distinctly, and unwanted effects can vary according to the specific drug, dosage, and personal elements including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and often improve with time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual encounters continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," one expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be worsened by the existing treatment, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may additionally consider speaking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant progress in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent specific adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition