Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive latest research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, while different drugs caused added mass.
• Heart rate and blood pressure also differed significantly across drugs.
• Those encountering continuing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

The large-scale investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to manage major depression. Although not every patient encounters unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable differences across depression treatments. For example, an two-month treatment period of one medication was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, producing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between one drug and another medication.

Medical experts commented that the research's findings are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," a professional explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these differences across a extensive array of physical indicators employing data from more than 58,000 participants," this specialist added.

This study offers strong proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

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

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to remember here is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct negative drug side effects," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient elements like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While some side effects, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and commonly get better as time passes, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the person suffers persistent or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," a professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may also consider speaking with your physician about any absence of significant improvement in depressive or worry symptoms after an sufficient testing period. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Patient preference is furthermore significant. Some individuals may want to avoid certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition