Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• A comprehensive new study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally differed notably between treatments.
• Individuals experiencing continuing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

New studies has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This comprehensive research, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.

The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently employed to manage depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant differences across antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was linked to an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, causing a gap of around 21 BPM among the two medications. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts commented that the investigation's conclusions aren't novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these differences across a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 individuals," this specialist commented.

The research provides comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or decrease, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," another professional commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person variably, and unwanted reactions can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and patient considerations like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain unwanted effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and often get better as time passes, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.

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

"An change in depression drug may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore consider consulting with your doctor concerning any absence of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms following an sufficient testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Personal preference is also important. Certain patients may choose to avoid certain unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition