Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range by Drug

Recent investigation provides comprehensive findings of the extensive array of antidepressant adverse reactions.
  • An extensive latest investigation determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
  • Certain medications led to decreased mass, whereas different drugs resulted in weight gain.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged notably between drugs.
  • Individuals encountering continuing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.

New investigations has found that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This large-scale investigation, issued on October 21st, examined the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of beginning medication.

The investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to manage clinical depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed significant variations between depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline increased it, producing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed among nortriptyline and another medication.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Comprise a Extensive Range

Clinical specialists commented that the study's findings are not recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," a professional stated.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparative measurement of these disparities across a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from over 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

This investigation provides strong support of the degree of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

  • stomach problems (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, based on the medication)
  • rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to remember here is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which lead to the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and negative effects can differ based on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and individual factors such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While some adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite typical and often improve over time, others may be less common or more persistent.

Consult with Your Physician Regarding Serious Unwanted Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person experiences ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," a expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

You may furthermore think about talking with your doctor about any absence of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related indicators following an appropriate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.

Personal inclination is also important. Some patients may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Mary Cooke
Mary Cooke

A passionate food enthusiast and travel writer based in London, sharing personal stories and expert insights.