Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Depending on Medication

• A extensive latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, while others led to increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably across medications.
• Patients encountering continuing, severe, or concerning side effects ought to consult a physician.

New research has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive investigation, released on October 21, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of starting treatment.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently used to address major depression. While not every patient encounters side effects, several of the most frequent observed in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable disparities among depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of one medication was associated with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow heart rate, while nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM among the two medications. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists commented that the study's results are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"However, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these differences throughout a extensive array of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the expert commented.

The research delivers comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Additionally, less frequent but medically important side effects may encompass:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct adverse medication side effects," a different professional explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and adverse effects can range according to the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While several adverse reactions, including changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and frequently enhance as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the person encounters persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Patients may additionally contemplate speaking with your physician concerning any deficiency of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Patient inclination is additionally crucial. Certain patients may choose to evade certain side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition