Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical
- An extensive new research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
- Some drugs led to decreased mass, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
- Heart rate and BP furthermore diverged notably across drugs.
- Individuals experiencing ongoing, intense, or concerning side effects should consult a physician.
Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.
This extensive study, published on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of starting medication.
The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat major depression. While not all individuals experiences side effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed significant variations across antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the same period.
There were also, marked fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication raised it, producing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen across nortriptyline and another medication.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Include a Broad Array
Healthcare experts observed that the study's conclusions are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a expert commented.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these variations among a wide spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the expert noted.
This investigation delivers robust proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, depending on the agent)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, moisture, headache
At the same time, rarer but medically important unwanted effects may include:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are various varying categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different professional explained.
"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can range depending on the particular drug, amount, and personal elements including metabolism or comorbidities."
While some side effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite typical and often improve as time passes, different reactions may be less common or continuing.
Talk with Your Doctor About Serious Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.
"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," a specialist commented.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."
You may furthermore consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms following an adequate testing period. The adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.
Personal inclination is additionally important. Certain patients may choose to prevent specific unwanted effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
