Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Variations Vary Depending on Medication

Recent investigation delivers robust proof of the extensive array of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A extensive new study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while other medications caused increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally diverged significantly among medications.
  • Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a medical provider.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This comprehensive study, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of beginning medication.

These investigators studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to treat clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, some of the most common observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant differences across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was associated with an typical weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients increased nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

Furthermore, significant changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation seen between one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Comprise a Broad Array

Healthcare specialists commented that the research's conclusions aren't new or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that different antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these variations across a extensive range of bodily measurements utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert added.

This investigation delivers strong support of the extent of side effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (gain or decrease, according to the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

  • elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"A key factor to remember here is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying adverse drug side effects," a different specialist commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and negative effects can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual elements such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While certain side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably common and often get better with time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Intense Side Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual encounters ongoing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with passing days or management strategies," one specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the present drug, such as elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

You may additionally think about talking with your doctor concerning any absence of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators following an appropriate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Individual choice is additionally important. Some individuals may choose to prevent particular unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Rachel Edwards
Rachel Edwards

Certified spinning instructor and fitness blogger passionate about helping others achieve their health goals through dynamic workouts.