Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• An comprehensive recent study discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs caused weight loss, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Heart rate and BP additionally varied significantly across medications.
• Patients experiencing continuing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should speak with a physician.

Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The extensive investigation, released on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the first two months of beginning medication.

The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically prescribed to treat major depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most common noted in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant differences between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an typical reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, while another medication raised it, causing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts commented that the study's conclusions are not novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications range in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the thorough, relative measurement of these variations throughout a broad array of physical indicators utilizing data from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist noted.

The study provides strong proof of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may include:

• stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• rises in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"One thing to note in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressants, which result in the different adverse medication reactions," another professional explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and negative effects can vary based on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient elements like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and frequently get better as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of substantial improvement in depressive or worry indicators after an sufficient testing period. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Personal inclination is also significant. Certain patients may choose to prevent specific adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition