Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New research offers comprehensive findings of the wide spectrum of antidepressant unwanted effects.
  • An large latest research determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
  • Some drugs resulted in weight loss, while others led to added mass.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged significantly between medications.
  • Patients encountering persistent, intense, or troubling unwanted effects should consult a physician.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale investigation, released on October 21st, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to manage depression. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent observed in the research were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of about 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Include a Extensive Spectrum

Medical specialists commented that the research's findings are not new or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these variations throughout a extensive array of physiological parameters employing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," this specialist added.

This study delivers strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the agent)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

  • increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are various different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the different negative drug side effects," a different expert stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact every individual variably, and negative effects can differ depending on the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and individual factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although several adverse reactions, including variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and frequently improve as time passes, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Speak with Your Doctor Regarding Intense Side Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in severity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.

"A change in depression drug may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the current drug, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

You may furthermore think about talking with your doctor about any deficiency of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.

Patient choice is additionally significant. Some individuals may choose to prevent specific adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Rachel Campbell
Rachel Campbell

Landscape designer and outdoor living enthusiast with over a decade of experience in creating beautiful, functional garden spaces.