Antidepressant Side Effects Like Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• A large new investigation determined that the side effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, while other medications led to added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally diverged significantly between drugs.
• Those encountering persistent, severe, or troubling side effects ought to consult a medical provider.

New studies has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

The large-scale investigation, published on October 21, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of starting treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly employed to address major depression. While not every patient encounters side effects, some of the most frequent recorded in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, producing a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists observed that the research's findings aren't new or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants vary in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities throughout a wide range of physiological parameters employing information from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the specialist noted.

The research offers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent antidepressant side effects may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to remember here is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each patient variably, and unwanted side effects can vary based on the particular pharmaceutical, dose, and patient factors like metabolism or comorbidities."

While several adverse reactions, including changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly common and frequently improve as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual encounters persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the existing medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

You may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related signs following an sufficient trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Personal preference is additionally important. Some individuals may choose to prevent specific unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition