Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• An extensive latest study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ significantly by drug.
• Some medications caused weight loss, while others resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also differed significantly across drugs.
• Those encountering continuing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a physician.

Recent studies has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of starting medication.

These researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences unwanted effects, several of the most frequent noted in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant differences across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, causing a difference of around 21 BPM among the two medications. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical specialists noted that the research's findings aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these disparities among a extensive array of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The study offers strong support of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

At the same time, rarer but medically important side effects may comprise:

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"A key factor to note in this context is that there are multiple different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the different negative pharmaceutical reactions," another expert explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient variably, and unwanted side effects can differ according to the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

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

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

Patients may also consider consulting with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful progress in depressive or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Personal inclination is also significant. Some individuals may want to prevent certain side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition