Depression Drug Side Effects Including Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive latest research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally varied markedly across treatments.
• Individuals experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a medical provider.

New studies has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The extensive research, released on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of starting medication.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat major depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the research were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed notable differences between depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day course of one medication was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

There were also, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 BPM between the two medications. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between one drug and another medication.

Healthcare experts noted that the research's findings are not considered new or surprising to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs vary in their effects on weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative measurement of these variations among a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 participants," the professional added.

The research offers robust evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or loss, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are several different types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct negative drug effects," another specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and adverse side effects can differ according to the particular drug, amount, and personal factors such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although some side effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and commonly enhance as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Depression drug side effects may range in severity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient encounters continuing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may additionally think about consulting with your doctor about any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or worry indicators subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Personal inclination is furthermore significant. Certain patients may choose to prevent certain side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition