Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• An extensive recent research discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also varied notably across medications.
• Those suffering from continuing, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions must consult a physician.

New research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This extensive research, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of beginning treatment.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking differences across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month course of one medication was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would reduce heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, creating a gap of around 21 BPM across the two drugs. BP differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between one drug and doxepin.

Medical experts commented that the investigation's results aren't novel or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these disparities across a wide array of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

This study offers strong support of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"A key factor to note in this context is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct unwanted drug effects," another specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each patient variably, and adverse side effects can range based on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and patient considerations such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are quite frequent and commonly enhance over time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual experiences ongoing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the present drug, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may also contemplate speaking with your physician regarding any absence of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms following an appropriate trial period. An appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Patient inclination is also important. Certain patients may want to prevent specific side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition