Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive latest research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others led to added mass.
• Heart rate and BP additionally differed markedly between medications.
• Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should discuss with a physician.

Latest research has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting treatment.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to manage depression. Although not every patient experiences unwanted effects, several of the most frequent noted in the research were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant differences between depression treatments. For example, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug users added close to 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical experts noted that the study's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these differences throughout a extensive array of bodily measurements using findings from over 58,000 subjects," this professional added.

This study offers strong evidence of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

Additionally, less common but clinically significant side effects may include:

• rises in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are several distinct categories of depression drugs, which lead to the varying unwanted medication effects," another expert commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each person distinctly, and negative side effects can vary based on the specific medication, dose, and personal factors including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are quite frequent and frequently improve as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in severity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may furthermore think about consulting with your physician concerning any absence of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an appropriate testing period. The appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Patient preference is furthermore significant. Some individuals may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition