Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug

• A comprehensive latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably between drugs.
• Those experiencing continuing, severe, or concerning side effects must consult a medical provider.

New research has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning medication.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to treat major depression. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, several of the most frequent noted in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable variations among depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day course of one medication was connected with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce heart rate, in contrast another medication raised it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across one drug and another medication.

Clinical specialists commented that the study's conclusions are not novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these variations across a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing data from more than 58,000 subjects," this specialist noted.

The investigation delivers robust support of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug side effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are several varying types of antidepressants, which lead to the different unwanted drug side effects," another specialist stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can vary depending on the specific medication, dosage, and personal elements like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, including fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly common and frequently improve as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug side effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual encounters continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or management strategies," one specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

You may also contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of meaningful improvement in depressive or worry signs after an adequate evaluation duration. An sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Individual inclination is additionally significant. Some patients may prefer to avoid certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition