Antidepressant Side Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A extensive latest study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied markedly among medications.
• Individuals encountering ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

New studies has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This large-scale research, published on October 21st, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of commencing treatment.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically prescribed to treat major depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking differences among antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients added almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, notable changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. BP differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen across one drug and doxepin.

Clinical professionals observed that the investigation's conclusions aren't new or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a expert explained.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities among a wide range of bodily measurements using information from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist noted.

The study delivers comprehensive support of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, according to the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

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

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative drug side effects," another professional stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each person variably, and unwanted effects can differ according to the specific drug, dosage, and patient factors like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While certain side effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and often enhance over time, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore consider speaking with your physician about any lack of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an sufficient trial period. An sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Individual choice is also crucial. Some individuals may prefer to prevent specific adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition