Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A large recent study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused weight loss, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also differed markedly between drugs.
• Patients suffering from continuing, serious, or troubling side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

Recent research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

This comprehensive research, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of beginning therapy.

The scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to address major depression. While not everyone experiences side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant disparities among depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users increased almost 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce heart rate, in contrast another medication raised it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the two medications. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across one drug and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the research's findings are not considered novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants differ in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," a expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these disparities among a broad spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing data from over 58,000 participants," this expert added.

The investigation provides robust support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than others. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may include:

• rises in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to remember in this context is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different negative medication effects," a different expert stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each person distinctly, and unwanted effects can differ based on the exact medication, dosage, and personal factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and frequently enhance with time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.

Depression drug side effects may differ in severity, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the patient experiences continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," one expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety-related signs following an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.

Personal preference is additionally significant. Some patients may want to avoid particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition