Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

• A extensive recent study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
• Some medications led to weight loss, while other medications led to added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied significantly between drugs.
• Those encountering ongoing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions must discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.

This extensive investigation, released on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of commencing treatment.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to address clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable variations between antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, producing a difference of about 21 beats per minute between the two medications. BP varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted across one drug and doxepin.

Medical professionals noted that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, comparative measurement of these variations among a extensive array of bodily measurements utilizing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," this specialist noted.

The study offers comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than others. Typical antidepressant side effects may include:

• stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to consider here is that there are various distinct classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the different adverse medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each person differently, and unwanted side effects can range based on the specific drug, amount, and individual considerations such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although several adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and frequently improve as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual experiences continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your doctor about any absence of significant enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms following an appropriate trial period. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Individual choice is furthermore significant. Some patients may choose to prevent certain unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition