Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

New study provides strong proof of the broad array of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A comprehensive latest research discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
  • Certain medications caused decreased mass, whereas others caused increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly between medications.
  • Individuals experiencing continuing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions should consult a healthcare professional.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The extensive research, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of starting treatment.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to treat clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking differences between antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients added almost 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Include a Extensive Spectrum

Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's conclusions are not recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," one professional stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these differences across a wide array of physiological parameters utilizing information from more than 58,000 individuals," this professional noted.

This study provides strong proof of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
  • sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • dry mouth, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less common but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

  • increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are various different categories of depression drugs, which result in the different unwanted medication reactions," another professional stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each patient differently, and unwanted reactions can range depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While some unwanted effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and commonly enhance with time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Side Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your treatment.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the patient experiences continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or management strategies," a professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

You may furthermore consider talking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety signs following an appropriate trial period. The sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Certain people may want to evade particular side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Alexis Cowan
Alexis Cowan

A travel enthusiast and local expert passionate about sharing hidden gems around Lake Como.

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