Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An large recent study found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in weight loss, whereas different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied notably between drugs.
• Individuals experiencing ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects should discuss with a physician.

Latest investigations has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The extensive study, issued on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.

These scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly prescribed to manage major depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, some of the most frequent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant disparities between antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was linked to an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, notable changes in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease heart rate, while another medication raised it, producing a gap of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference seen across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare experts observed that the investigation's results are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants differ in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one expert explained.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities throughout a wide range of bodily measurements using findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

The study provides strong support of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Typical depression drug side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

Additionally, less common but medically important side effects may include:

• rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to note here is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted drug side effects," a different professional explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect every individual variably, and adverse side effects can vary according to the particular drug, dosage, and patient elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."

While some side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and frequently improve as time passes, others may be less common or continuing.

Depression drug side effects may differ in severity, which could require a adjustment in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may additionally think about consulting with your physician about any deficiency of significant enhancement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. An appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Personal preference is also significant. Certain patients may want to avoid certain adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition