Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

• An large new investigation found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while other medications led to added mass.
• Heart rate and BP also varied markedly among medications.
• Those experiencing persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This comprehensive research, released on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of starting therapy.

The researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant variations across antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. BP varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare professionals noted that the investigation's conclusions are not recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," a professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these variations among a extensive array of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

The research delivers comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider here is that there are multiple different types of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying negative medication reactions," a different specialist stated.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient variably, and negative reactions can differ based on the exact medication, dose, and patient elements like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While several side effects, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and frequently get better as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

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

"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the person suffers persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."

You may additionally consider talking with your physician about any absence of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators following an adequate trial period. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Personal preference is additionally significant. Some people may want to avoid particular unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition