Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

Recent investigation provides comprehensive proof of the wide spectrum of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • An comprehensive new study found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
  • Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas other medications resulted in weight gain.
  • Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore differed notably across drugs.
  • Individuals experiencing continuing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions must discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21st, assessed the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat major depression. While not every patient experiences unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed striking variations among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, marked fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted across one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Side Effects Include a Wide Spectrum

Medical experts noted that the research's results aren't novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," a expert stated.

"However, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparative quantification of these disparities across a broad spectrum of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The study provides comprehensive support of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
  • intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (increase or loss, depending on the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
  • dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important side effects may comprise:

  • increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying unwanted medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and adverse side effects can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."

While some side effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and frequently get better with time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Talk with Your Physician Concerning Serious Unwanted Effects

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual suffers continuing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing drug, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may furthermore contemplate talking with your physician regarding any deficiency of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dosage.

Individual preference is additionally crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to avoid specific side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Daisy Pace
Daisy Pace

Passionate cyclist and outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience in bike touring and gear testing.