Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

- An comprehensive latest research found that the side effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
- Some medications led to reduced body weight, whereas others led to increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore diverged notably between treatments.
- Individuals suffering from ongoing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions must speak with a physician.
Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.
This extensive investigation, issued on October 21, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of beginning treatment.
These researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat major depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed significant differences across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week course of one medication was associated with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the same duration.
Furthermore, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Spectrum
Medical experts noted that the study's results are not recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a expert stated.
"However, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations throughout a wide range of physical indicators utilizing data from more than 58,000 individuals," this professional noted.
The investigation offers strong proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:
- digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (increase or loss, depending on the agent)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine
At the same time, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:
- increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various different types of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct negative drug side effects," another professional commented.
"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each person distinctly, and unwanted side effects can vary according to the specific medication, amount, and individual considerations such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
While several adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are quite typical and often enhance with time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could justify a change in your drug.
"An modification in depression drug may be necessary if the individual encounters ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," a professional said.
"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."
Patients may also consider talking with your healthcare provider about any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or worry signs after an sufficient testing period. An adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.
Patient preference is additionally significant. Some people may want to evade specific unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition