Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Changes Range by Drug

• An comprehensive new investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally differed markedly across treatments.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, serious, or troubling adverse reactions must consult a healthcare professional.

Latest studies has found that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

This large-scale investigation, issued on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial eight weeks of commencing treatment.

The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to manage major depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, some of the most common noted in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was associated with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the two drugs. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's findings aren't recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," one expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations throughout a broad range of physiological parameters using data from over 58,000 individuals," this professional added.

The research offers comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or decrease, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Additionally, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different negative medication effects," another expert commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each person distinctly, and negative effects can range based on the exact drug, dose, and individual factors including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While some side effects, such as variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and commonly improve over time, others may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your drug.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the patient encounters continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," a specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may also think about speaking with your physician concerning any absence of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety signs following an appropriate evaluation duration. An adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Patient preference is furthermore significant. Certain people may want to prevent certain side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition