Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- An large new study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
- Some medications resulted in decreased mass, while others resulted in added mass.
- Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore varied significantly among drugs.
- Individuals experiencing persistent, serious, or troubling adverse reactions should speak with a physician.
Latest investigations has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.
The large-scale study, issued on October 21st, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of starting medication.
These researchers studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to manage major depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed notable differences among depression treatments. For example, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the identical period.
Additionally, marked variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Array
Medical specialists observed that the investigation's findings are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their influences on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations among a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing findings from more than 58,000 participants," this professional commented.
This investigation provides robust proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:
- digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, based on the agent)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, moisture, headache
Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:
- elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or indifference
"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are several varying types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different specialist commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual variably, and negative side effects can vary according to the specific medication, amount, and personal factors including metabolic rate or comorbidities."
Although several unwanted effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are quite typical and commonly get better with time, others may be less common or more persistent.
Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could justify a modification in your drug.
"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," a professional commented.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be aggravated by the present treatment, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."
Individuals may also consider talking with your doctor concerning any absence of meaningful enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an adequate testing period. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.
Patient choice is additionally important. Some individuals may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition