Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication

• A large new study discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas other medications caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged significantly across drugs.
• Individuals encountering continuing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should consult a physician.

Recent research has found that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This large-scale study, published on October 21st, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial eight weeks of beginning medication.

The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly employed to manage major depression. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent recorded in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would reduce pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of approximately 21 BPM between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between one drug and another medication.

Medical professionals observed that the research's results aren't novel or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these variations among a wide array of bodily measurements utilizing data from more than 58,000 participants," the expert commented.

The study provides comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, based on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"An important point to consider here is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying adverse medication side effects," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual distinctly, and unwanted effects can vary based on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual elements like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably typical and often improve as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could require a change in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent health problems that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may also contemplate talking with your doctor concerning any lack of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related signs following an adequate trial period. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.

Personal preference is additionally crucial. Certain patients may choose to avoid certain side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition