Antidepressant Side Effects Including Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New study offers strong proof of the extensive array of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A comprehensive latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
  • Some medications caused weight loss, while different drugs caused added mass.
  • Heart rate and BP additionally differed significantly among treatments.
  • Those encountering continuing, serious, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a physician.

New studies has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This large-scale study, released on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.

These investigators examined 151 studies of 30 medications commonly prescribed to address major depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent observed in the research were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were striking variations across depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a disparity of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed among one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Include a Broad Spectrum

Healthcare specialists commented that the research's findings are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a expert stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these disparities across a extensive array of physical indicators employing information from over 58,000 participants," this professional commented.

The study provides robust evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

  • stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the drug)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • dry mouth, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

  • increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct unwanted medication reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each person variably, and negative reactions can range depending on the particular drug, dose, and individual elements including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, including variations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably common and frequently improve over time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Physician Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive measures," a professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may also consider speaking with your physician concerning any deficiency of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety indicators following an appropriate trial period. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual preference is furthermore significant. Some people may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Ashley Barron
Ashley Barron

Tech enthusiast and startup advisor with a passion for emerging technologies and digital transformation.

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