Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

Latest study delivers comprehensive proof of the wide spectrum of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • A comprehensive latest study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while different drugs caused added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied notably between medications.
  • Patients experiencing ongoing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects must discuss with a physician.

Latest investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, published on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of beginning therapy.

These investigators studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to treat depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent observed in the study were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking disparities between depression treatments. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients increased almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, notable variations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of around 21 BPM among the two medications. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed among one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Broad Range

Clinical experts observed that the investigation's findings aren't new or startling to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications differ in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," a professional stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities throughout a broad range of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 participants," this expert added.

This study offers robust proof of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, depending on the drug)
  • sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to consider here is that there are several different categories of antidepressants, which lead to the varying negative pharmaceutical side effects," another specialist commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact every individual differently, and unwanted effects can range depending on the specific drug, dose, and personal considerations including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although some side effects, such as variations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are fairly typical and frequently improve as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.

Speak with Your Physician Concerning Severe Adverse Reactions

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

"A adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the patient suffers ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the current medication, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may additionally contemplate speaking with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety indicators after an sufficient trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Some patients may prefer to prevent certain unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Matthew Aguilar
Matthew Aguilar

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, with a background in software development.