Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

New investigation delivers strong proof of the wide array of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • A comprehensive recent research determined that the side effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
  • Certain medications resulted in weight loss, whereas others caused added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally differed markedly between medications.
  • Those experiencing persistent, intense, or troubling unwanted effects ought to speak with a physician.

Latest research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of beginning medication.

The scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications typically prescribed to address clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant differences across depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, marked fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a difference of around 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Include a Wide Spectrum

Medical professionals commented that the investigation's findings are not considered new or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these disparities throughout a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

This investigation provides strong support of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (addition or loss, depending on the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc extension (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to consider here is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different negative medication effects," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and adverse side effects can differ depending on the particular medication, dosage, and personal elements such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some adverse reactions, like variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite typical and commonly get better with time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Doctor Concerning Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"An modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient suffers ongoing or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the current treatment, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."

Patients may furthermore consider talking with your doctor about any lack of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety signs following an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Patient choice is additionally crucial. Certain patients may prefer to avoid certain adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Jacqueline Sandoval
Jacqueline Sandoval

A passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering local athletics and community events in the Padua region.