Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• A extensive latest study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Some medications led to weight loss, while others resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally diverged markedly between treatments.
• Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or concerning side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.

Latest research has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21st, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of starting treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications frequently prescribed to address major depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, some of the most common observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking differences among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients gained nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, while another medication increased it, producing a gap of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical professionals noted that the investigation's conclusions aren't novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs range in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these disparities across a extensive array of physiological parameters utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist added.

This study offers comprehensive support of the magnitude of adverse reactions, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, depending on the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are various varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct unwanted drug effects," a different specialist commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence every individual variably, and unwanted side effects can vary depending on the specific medication, dose, and personal factors including metabolism or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and often enhance with time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in severity, which could require a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a expert said.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the current treatment, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may furthermore think about speaking with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful improvement in depression-related or worry signs subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. An appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Individual choice is additionally significant. Some people may prefer to prevent certain side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition