Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Range by Drug

• A large latest research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore varied significantly among treatments.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

New studies has found that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The extensive research, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the initial two months of commencing medication.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to manage depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, several of the most frequent noted in the study were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking disparities across antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, marked variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the investigation's conclusions are not new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these variations among a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

This research delivers strong evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical depression drug side effects may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to remember here is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressants, which result in the different adverse pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect every individual distinctly, and unwanted reactions can differ depending on the particular drug, amount, and individual factors including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain adverse reactions, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often improve as time passes, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the individual encounters persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current treatment, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

You may also contemplate speaking with your physician regarding any lack of meaningful progress in depressive or anxiety symptoms following an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.

Personal inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition