Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

Recent study delivers comprehensive proof of the extensive range of antidepressant unwanted effects.
  • An comprehensive recent study determined that the side effects of depression drugs range significantly by drug.
  • Certain pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, while others caused added mass.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied markedly across medications.
  • Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning side effects should discuss with a physician.

New studies has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.

This comprehensive study, issued on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently employed to address major depression. Although not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant differences among antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen across one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Spectrum

Clinical professionals commented that the study's findings are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," a specialist commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these differences throughout a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing information from over 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.

The investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
  • sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (gain or reduction, depending on the drug)
  • rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
  • oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

  • increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several different types of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative medication reactions," another professional commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each person distinctly, and unwanted side effects can vary based on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and personal factors like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While some side effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably common and often get better with time, others may be less typical or continuing.

Consult with Your Doctor About Serious Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the person encounters continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," one expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the present drug, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

You may furthermore consider consulting with your healthcare provider about any absence of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry signs after an adequate testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Patient inclination is also important. Some individuals may prefer to avoid particular unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Jessica Powers
Jessica Powers

A passionate wellness coach and writer dedicated to helping others find joy in everyday life through mindful practices.