Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• An comprehensive latest research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied notably between treatments.
• Individuals experiencing continuing, intense, or worrisome side effects should discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The extensive study, released on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of commencing treatment.

The scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently prescribed to manage depression. Although not every patient develops side effects, several of the most common noted in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

There were significant variations across antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month course of one medication was associated with an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

There were also, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a difference of around 21 BPM among the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen across nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the research's findings are not new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities across a broad array of bodily measurements utilizing information from more than 58,000 individuals," the specialist added.

This study offers strong evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or reduction, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct unwanted medication reactions," another expert explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and negative effects can range depending on the particular drug, amount, and patient considerations like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some unwanted effects, such as changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are quite frequent and frequently get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient experiences continuing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the current drug, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

You may furthermore think about speaking with your physician regarding any absence of meaningful improvement in depression-related or worry symptoms after an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Personal preference is also important. Some patients may want to avoid particular side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition