Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• An large new study discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Certain drugs led to reduced body weight, whereas others led to increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged notably between medications.
• Those encountering continuing, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions should consult a physician.

Recent research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of beginning medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to treat depression. While not every patient develops side effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable variations among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the two medications. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and another medication.

Clinical experts noted that the study's results are not novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications vary in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a professional explained.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, relative quantification of these differences among a wide array of bodily measurements utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

The investigation offers robust evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or loss, according to the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but medically important side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another expert explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence every individual variably, and negative reactions can differ depending on the specific medication, dose, and individual elements including metabolism or comorbidities."

While certain adverse reactions, including changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are quite typical and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

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

"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient experiences ongoing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," a specialist said.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, such as elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of substantial progress in low mood or worry symptoms following an adequate evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.

Individual inclination is additionally significant. Certain individuals may choose to avoid certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition