Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive new study determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also diverged markedly between treatments.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

New research has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale research, issued on October 21st, examined the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of commencing therapy.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly prescribed to address depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the research were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant variations across depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was associated with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Additionally, marked variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would slow heart rate, while another medication elevated it, creating a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across one drug and doxepin.

Clinical experts commented that the research's results are not recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a professional explained.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these disparities among a wide array of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This research delivers strong support of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to remember here is that there are several distinct types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and adverse effects can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some adverse reactions, like changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and often get better over time, others may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"A change in depression drug may be warranted if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," a specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

You may also consider talking with your physician regarding any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms following an adequate evaluation duration. An appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Personal preference is additionally important. Some people may choose to evade specific side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition