Depression Drug Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Depending on Medication

• A extensive latest investigation found that the side effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
• Certain medications caused reduced body weight, whereas others led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore diverged markedly among drugs.
• Patients encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects should speak with a physician.

Latest investigations has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The large-scale research, issued on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of beginning treatment.

The scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly employed to treat major depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable differences between antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients increased nearly 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, while another medication raised it, causing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare professionals commented that the research's findings are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these variations among a wide range of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the professional added.

This investigation provides robust evidence of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or decrease, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Additionally, rarer but medically important side effects may include:

• rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several distinct classes of depression drugs, which result in the different negative drug reactions," a different professional commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence each person differently, and adverse side effects can range based on the particular medication, dosage, and personal considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the present treatment, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

Patients may additionally contemplate consulting with your doctor about any deficiency of significant enhancement in depression-related or worry indicators subsequent to an adequate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Individual choice is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may choose to prevent particular unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition