Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

New investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the broad spectrum of depression treatment adverse reactions.
  • A extensive recent investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
  • Some drugs caused decreased mass, while others resulted in added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore varied markedly across drugs.
  • Individuals suffering from persistent, intense, or concerning side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The large-scale study, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of commencing therapy.

The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly prescribed to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most common observed in the study were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed striking disparities across antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day regimen of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals increased almost 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen among one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Comprise a Broad Range

Medical experts noted that the research's results are not considered recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," a expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these differences across a wide spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from more than 58,000 participants," the professional noted.

This study provides strong support of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may comprise:

  • stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (increase or reduction, based on the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • dry mouth, sweating, migraine

Additionally, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval extension (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted medication side effects," a different professional commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence every individual variably, and adverse side effects can differ according to the exact medication, dose, and individual factors including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain unwanted effects, including variations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and commonly enhance with time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Consult with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," a expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the present drug, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms after an appropriate evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Individual inclination is also significant. Some people may prefer to prevent certain adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Amy Jones
Amy Jones

Lena ist eine erfahrene Journalistin mit Schwerpunkt auf Politik und Gesellschaft, die regelmäßig über deutsche und europäische Themen berichtet.