Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication
- A comprehensive new research found that the side effects of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
- Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas others caused added mass.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore differed notably between drugs.
- Individuals experiencing continuing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a medical provider.
Recent research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The large-scale investigation, published on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial eight weeks of starting medication.
The scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly employed to treat depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most frequent noted in the investigation were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed notable differences across depression treatments. For example, an 60-day regimen of one medication was connected with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the same period.
There were also, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce pulse rate, while nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg variation seen across nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Include a Wide Array
Medical experts noted that the research's findings aren't recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.
"However, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these disparities across a wide array of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.
The study offers robust evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (gain or loss, according to the drug)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, moisture, head pain
Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may comprise:
- rises in BP or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or apathy
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several distinct types of depression drugs, which contribute to the different negative pharmaceutical effects," another specialist commented.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual differently, and negative reactions can range depending on the specific medication, amount, and individual considerations including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
Although several side effects, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly common and commonly enhance over time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider About Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.
"A adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," one specialist said.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the current drug, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."
You may furthermore think about speaking with your doctor regarding any absence of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators following an appropriate testing period. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.
Individual choice is additionally important. Some people may prefer to evade particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
