Depression Drug Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

New research offers robust proof of the wide spectrum of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • An large recent study found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
  • Certain drugs caused decreased mass, whereas other medications caused increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and BP additionally diverged significantly among treatments.
  • Those suffering from persistent, severe, or concerning adverse reactions must discuss with a physician.

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

The large-scale research, issued on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of starting treatment.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs typically employed to manage clinical depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the research were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking variations among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the same duration.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Range

Medical experts observed that the research's results are not considered recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these disparities throughout a broad array of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist noted.

This study provides comprehensive support of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than different reactions. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the agent)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

  • rises in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted drug side effects," a different specialist commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence every individual differently, and adverse reactions can vary depending on the specific drug, amount, and individual factors including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While several adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider About Intense Adverse Reactions

Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the person experiences ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the existing drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate talking with your doctor about any lack of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators following an adequate testing period. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Personal inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain patients may choose to prevent specific adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Tyler Thompson
Tyler Thompson

A passionate football analyst with expertise in European leagues, dedicated to bringing fans accurate and timely sports coverage.