Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

• A extensive new investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
• Some medications caused decreased mass, while others led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally varied notably among treatments.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest research has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of commencing medication.

These researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to address major depression. Although not every patient encounters adverse reactions, certain of the most common recorded in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking disparities across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, marked variations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would reduce pulse rate, while nortriptyline raised it, causing a disparity of around 21 BPM across the both treatments. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted across one drug and doxepin.

Clinical specialists noted that the research's results aren't novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different antidepressants differ in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these variations across a broad spectrum of physical indicators employing data from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.

The study delivers comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or loss, depending on the agent)
• sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

• rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various different categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different adverse pharmaceutical side effects," another specialist stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and adverse side effects can range according to the particular medication, amount, and individual elements including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although some unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient encounters persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

You may additionally contemplate talking with your physician regarding any deficiency of meaningful improvement in low mood or worry indicators after an adequate evaluation duration. An adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Some people may want to prevent particular unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition