Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication
- An extensive new study found that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
- Certain drugs led to weight loss, whereas other medications caused increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally differed markedly between drugs.
- Those suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should consult a physician.
Latest investigations has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.
The extensive study, released on October 21, assessed the effect of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of commencing therapy.
These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications frequently employed to manage depression. While not all individuals experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed significant disparities across depression treatments. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
Additionally, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, causing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Wide Array
Healthcare experts commented that the investigation's results aren't novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their influences on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional stated.
"However, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparative measurement of these differences throughout a wide range of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 subjects," this specialist added.
The investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:
- stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, depending on the medication)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, moisture, head pain
Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include:
- rises in BP or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are multiple different categories of depression drugs, which result in the varying negative pharmaceutical side effects," another expert stated.
"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient distinctly, and negative effects can vary depending on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and personal factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
While several side effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly common and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Intense Side Effects
Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in severity, which could require a adjustment in your medication.
"An adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with passing days or management strategies," one specialist commented.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."
Patients may additionally think about consulting with your doctor regarding any lack of meaningful progress in depressive or anxiety-related indicators following an sufficient trial period. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.
Personal choice is furthermore significant. Certain patients may want to evade certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
