Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A extensive new study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range significantly by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs led to added mass.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore differed significantly among drugs.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a physician.

Latest research has found that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning treatment.

These researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to manage depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, some of the most common recorded in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant differences between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug users increased close to 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, notable changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, producing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare professionals noted that the investigation's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications vary in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"However, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these disparities across a wide range of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 individuals," the expert commented.

The investigation delivers strong support of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less common but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to remember here is that there are several varying classes of antidepressants, which lead to the different adverse medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient variably, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the specific drug, dosage, and individual elements such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although several unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may range in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

You may also think about consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of significant enhancement in low mood or worry signs after an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Individual choice is also important. Some patients may prefer to prevent particular adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition