Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• An extensive latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, while others caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP additionally differed notably across treatments.
• Individuals encountering ongoing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should consult a medical provider.

Recent studies has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This comprehensive research, published on October 21, assessed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to address depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant variations between antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, marked variations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, causing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists noted that the study's results are not considered new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these differences among a extensive array of physical indicators employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," this expert commented.

The investigation offers strong proof of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical depression drug unwanted effects may include:

• digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (increase or reduction, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each person distinctly, and unwanted effects can range depending on the particular drug, dosage, and personal elements like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although several adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably typical and commonly improve with time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could justify a change in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient encounters ongoing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," a specialist commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the existing treatment, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may furthermore think about consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of significant progress in depression-related or worry indicators subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Individual choice is furthermore important. Certain patients may prefer to avoid certain adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition