Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Depending on Medication

Recent study offers comprehensive findings of the wide range of antidepressant unwanted effects.
  • An comprehensive recent study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
  • Some medications caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly among drugs.
  • Those experiencing continuing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.

New studies has discovered that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This extensive research, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently prescribed to address depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed notable differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was linked to an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug users added almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, causing a difference of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen between one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Spectrum

Medical experts commented that the study's findings are not recent or surprising to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these differences among a extensive range of bodily measurements utilizing information from over 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

This study offers strong evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more common than others. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

  • stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
  • intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (addition or loss, depending on the agent)
  • sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

  • elevations in BP or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to remember in this context is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the different unwanted drug side effects," a different expert stated.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient variably, and adverse side effects can range depending on the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, such as variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly typical and commonly get better with time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider About Severe Side Effects

Depression drug side effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," one professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

You may additionally consider consulting with your doctor regarding any deficiency of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related indicators after an adequate testing period. The appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Patient inclination is additionally crucial. Certain individuals may choose to avoid particular adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez

A passionate writer and shopping enthusiast with a keen eye for quality products and lifestyle trends.