Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• An large recent research discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in decreased mass, whereas different drugs caused added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore diverged markedly among drugs.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, serious, or troubling side effects should discuss with a physician.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The extensive research, released on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting therapy.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage major depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common observed in the research were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce pulse rate, while nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among one drug and another medication.

Medical professionals commented that the study's findings are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one specialist stated.

"However, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these variations throughout a wide array of bodily measurements employing data from over 58,000 participants," this expert added.

The study offers strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or loss, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, less common but clinically significant side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• low sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to consider here is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying negative drug reactions," a different specialist stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and negative side effects can range according to the specific medication, dosage, and patient factors including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While several side effects, like changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite typical and often get better with time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

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

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient experiences ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," a specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the existing drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

You may also think about speaking with your healthcare provider about any lack of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an adequate trial period. An appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent particular adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition