Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug
- A comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while others caused increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure also diverged markedly among treatments.
- Patients suffering from continuing, intense, or concerning side effects ought to consult a physician.
New studies has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.
The extensive study, published on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of commencing treatment.
These scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to manage major depression. While not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most common noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
There were significant differences between depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day course of one medication was associated with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same period.
Furthermore, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline increased it, producing a gap of about 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Range
Medical specialists noted that the research's conclusions are not considered recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," a professional commented.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these variations across a wide spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist noted.
The research provides comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, depending on the agent)
- sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, headache
Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may encompass:
- elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the varying adverse pharmaceutical side effects," another expert explained.
"Moreover, depression treatments can impact every individual variably, and unwanted reactions can range depending on the specific medication, dose, and patient factors such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
Although several adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and often enhance over time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.
Speak with Your Physician About Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.
"An change in depression drug may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a expert stated.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the current medication, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
Patients may also think about consulting with your physician concerning any lack of substantial improvement in depression-related or worry symptoms after an appropriate testing period. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Individual preference is also crucial. Certain individuals may want to evade certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
