Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• An comprehensive recent investigation determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally diverged notably among drugs.
• Individuals encountering ongoing, severe, or troubling side effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

This extensive study, published on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of starting medication.

The scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage depression. While not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the research were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant variations between antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was connected with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

There were also, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of about 21 BPM across the two medications. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed between one drug and another medication.

Clinical experts noted that the investigation's results are not new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various depression drugs range in their influences on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these differences across a wide spectrum of physical indicators employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," this professional added.

This research provides robust support of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, based on the drug)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressants, which result in the different unwanted drug effects," another expert commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can vary based on the particular pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations like metabolism or comorbidities."

While several unwanted effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly typical and commonly improve as time passes, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could require a change in your treatment.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or supportive care," a professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may additionally contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety-related signs after an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Patient inclination is also important. Certain patients may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition