Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive new investigation found that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in weight loss, while other medications led to weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP also diverged notably between drugs.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, intense, or concerning side effects ought to consult a physician.

Latest studies has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale research, released on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of beginning medication.

These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to treat clinical depression. While not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking disparities between antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, causing a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed between one drug and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the study's results are not recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various depression drugs range in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities throughout a broad array of bodily measurements utilizing findings from more than 58,000 participants," this professional added.

The investigation offers strong support of the extent of side effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, depending on the medication)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but medically important side effects may include:

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are various different categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct negative drug side effects," a different expert explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person variably, and adverse effects can range depending on the particular drug, dosage, and patient factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While several unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and commonly enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant side effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

You may additionally contemplate speaking with your doctor concerning any lack of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators after an appropriate testing period. An appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Individual preference is additionally crucial. Certain patients may choose to avoid specific unwanted effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition