Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• An extensive new study found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged markedly among drugs.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

Latest studies has found that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This extensive research, released on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting treatment.

These researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to manage major depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, certain of the most common observed in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking differences among depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, marked changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow heart rate, whereas another medication elevated it, causing a difference of about 21 BPM across the two medications. BP varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical experts observed that the study's conclusions are not new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs vary in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a professional commented.

"However, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences throughout a wide range of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this professional commented.

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

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

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

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to remember here is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct adverse pharmaceutical reactions," another expert explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual distinctly, and negative side effects can differ based on the specific medication, dose, and patient factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While certain adverse reactions, like variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and frequently improve with time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual encounters persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may additionally think about talking with your physician regarding any lack of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related indicators after an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Patient preference is furthermore important. Some individuals may want to evade particular side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition