Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A extensive latest investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally diverged significantly across treatments.
• Those encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The large-scale study, published on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of commencing medication.

These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications commonly used to manage clinical depression. While not everyone experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable differences between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication increased it, creating a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen across one drug and another medication.

Healthcare experts observed that the research's conclusions aren't recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications vary in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," a professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative assessment of these variations throughout a broad array of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.

The investigation offers strong proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, according to the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

At the same time, less common but medically important side effects may include:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying adverse medication effects," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient variably, and negative reactions can differ according to the exact drug, amount, and personal considerations including body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although certain adverse reactions, including fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite frequent and often improve over time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the individual encounters continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing drug, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally think about consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. An sufficient testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Individual choice is also crucial. Some patients may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition