Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• An comprehensive recent investigation found that the side effects of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Some medications resulted in weight loss, whereas different drugs caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also diverged significantly between drugs.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome side effects must speak with a medical provider.

Recent research has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, released on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of starting therapy.

These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to manage depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent noted in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant disparities across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week course of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals increased nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Additionally, marked changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, creating a gap of about 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among one drug and doxepin.

Medical specialists commented that the research's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these differences across a wide spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

The research offers strong evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or loss, according to the drug)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

At the same time, less common but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various varying categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct unwanted drug effects," another professional explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each person differently, and adverse effects can differ depending on the exact drug, dosage, and patient elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain unwanted effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite common and frequently improve with time, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may additionally consider talking with your physician regarding any lack of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Personal preference is additionally significant. Certain individuals may choose to prevent specific side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition