Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A extensive latest study found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among drugs.
• Those encountering ongoing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a healthcare professional.

New studies has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale investigation, released on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of commencing treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs typically prescribed to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant differences across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week course of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, notable variations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would decrease pulse rate, while another medication increased it, creating a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted across one drug and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the investigation's results are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these disparities across a wide spectrum of physical indicators using data from more than 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

The research provides robust support of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, based on the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to remember in this context is that there are various different classes of antidepressants, which result in the different negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each person distinctly, and negative effects can range based on the exact drug, dosage, and individual factors such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While certain adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably typical and commonly get better over time, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the individual experiences continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive care," a specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

Patients may also consider consulting with your doctor concerning any absence of substantial enhancement in depression-related or anxiety indicators subsequent to an appropriate testing period. An sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Patient choice is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may want to evade particular unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition