Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• An comprehensive new investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs resulted in reduced body weight, while other medications caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied markedly among drugs.
• Patients suffering from persistent, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to consult a medical provider.

Recent investigations has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This extensive study, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of starting therapy.

The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to treat major depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the study were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable disparities across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was linked to an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg variation observed among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts commented that the study's findings are not new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications vary in their influences on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these disparities across a wide spectrum of physical indicators using data from more than 58,000 participants," this professional commented.

The study delivers strong evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:

• rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are various different types of depression drugs, which result in the different negative pharmaceutical effects," another expert explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect each patient distinctly, and adverse side effects can vary according to the particular medication, dosage, and patient factors such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, including changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and frequently improve with time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

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

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a expert said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing medication, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

You may also think about consulting with your doctor about any deficiency of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety signs following an adequate trial period. An appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Personal inclination is additionally crucial. Certain patients may choose to avoid certain adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition