Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• An comprehensive latest investigation found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Some medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore diverged notably among drugs.
• Those experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a physician.

Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.

This comprehensive investigation, published on October 21, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

These investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently used to treat depression. While not every patient experiences unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking variations among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a difference of about 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among one drug and doxepin.

Medical specialists noted that the study's findings are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one professional stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these variations across a extensive range of bodily measurements utilizing data from over 58,000 individuals," the professional added.

The investigation offers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

• rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to note here is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the different adverse medication effects," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual differently, and unwanted reactions can vary depending on the exact drug, dosage, and personal elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and frequently improve as time passes, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could justify a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one expert stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

You may additionally think about speaking with your physician concerning any lack of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety signs following an adequate testing period. An sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Patient preference is additionally important. Some individuals may choose to evade specific adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition