Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• An large new study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while other medications caused increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also diverged significantly across drugs.
• Patients encountering persistent, serious, or concerning adverse reactions should speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The extensive study, issued on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of beginning medication.

The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically used to manage depression. While not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant variations across depression treatments. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication elevated it, producing a disparity of about 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen among nortriptyline and another medication.

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

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs vary in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these differences throughout a broad array of bodily measurements using data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert commented.

This investigation offers robust evidence of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or loss, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to remember here is that there are several different categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct negative pharmaceutical effects," a different professional stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient variably, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the particular medication, dosage, and individual considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While several adverse reactions, including variations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.

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

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one expert stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms following an appropriate evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Personal choice is additionally significant. Some individuals may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition