Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

- A comprehensive recent research determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
- Pulse rate and BP additionally diverged notably across drugs.
- Those suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning unwanted effects should speak with a medical provider.
Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.
The comprehensive research, released on October 21st, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of beginning therapy.
The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly used to manage depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, several of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
There were striking variations across antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.
Furthermore, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, in contrast another medication raised it, causing a gap of about 21 beats per minute among the two medications. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed among nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Spectrum
Healthcare specialists noted that the research's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one professional commented.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these differences across a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.
The study delivers comprehensive support of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the agent)
- sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine
At the same time, rarer but medically important side effects may encompass:
- increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert stated.
"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact every individual distinctly, and unwanted effects can differ according to the particular medication, amount, and patient factors such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
Although certain adverse reactions, like changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite frequent and often improve as time passes, others may be less frequent or continuing.
Consult with Your Physician Concerning Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could warrant a change in your drug.
"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual encounters continuing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," a expert commented.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."
Patients may also consider talking with your physician regarding any lack of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety signs following an appropriate evaluation duration. An appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Personal choice is also significant. Certain patients may prefer to avoid specific side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition