Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A large new study discovered that the side effects of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications caused weight loss, whereas others caused increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly across medications.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, serious, or troubling side effects ought to speak with a physician.

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

The large-scale study, published on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to manage major depression. Although not everyone experiences side effects, certain of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant variations between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

There were also, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would slow cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication raised it, creating a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

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

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, relative quantification of these disparities throughout a broad array of bodily measurements using findings from more than 58,000 subjects," this expert added.

This study delivers robust support of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember here is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the different adverse drug reactions," a different professional explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person differently, and adverse side effects can vary according to the particular drug, dosage, and individual factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite typical and often get better as time passes, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in intensity, which could justify a modification in your medication.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual experiences ongoing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," one expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may also consider talking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of meaningful progress in depression-related or worry indicators after an sufficient trial period. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Patient preference is also crucial. Certain individuals may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition