Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Variations Range by Drug

• A large latest research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Certain drugs led to decreased mass, whereas others caused weight gain.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged notably across drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must consult a medical provider.

Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of starting medication.

These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently employed to treat depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the research were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant variations across antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, marked fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts noted that the study's results are not novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications range in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, relative assessment of these disparities among a wide array of bodily measurements employing information from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional added.

This investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
• mouth dryness, sweating, headache

At the same time, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to note in this context is that there are various different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different unwanted medication effects," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient differently, and unwanted effects can vary based on the specific drug, dosage, and individual elements including body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are quite typical and frequently improve with time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your treatment.

"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore think about speaking with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety indicators following an adequate testing period. An adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Patient choice is additionally significant. Certain patients may prefer to prevent specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition