Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication

• An extensive new research determined that the side effects of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Some medications led to reduced body weight, while other medications caused added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also diverged markedly among treatments.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, severe, or concerning side effects should speak with a medical provider.

New studies has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting therapy.

The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently prescribed to address clinical depression. While not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, some of the most frequent recorded in the research were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable disparities among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month course of one medication was linked to an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users increased almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between one drug and another medication.

Clinical professionals commented that the investigation's results are not novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, relative measurement of these variations throughout a wide range of physical indicators using data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this professional added.

This research offers robust evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, according to the drug)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
• mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct classes of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," another professional explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact every individual distinctly, and unwanted reactions can range according to the particular medication, amount, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and often improve with time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate consulting with your physician about any absence of substantial progress in depressive or worry signs after an appropriate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Personal inclination is additionally important. Some patients may choose to prevent certain unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition