Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• A comprehensive latest investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications caused added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also differed markedly between treatments.
• Those encountering ongoing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects must consult a healthcare professional.

New research has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.

These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly prescribed to address depression. While not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable differences across antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, significant changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, causing a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. BP differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical specialists commented that the investigation's results are not considered novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications range in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these variations among a broad spectrum of physical indicators employing information from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

This investigation delivers strong proof of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

At the same time, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct negative medication effects," another specialist explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each person differently, and adverse effects can range depending on the specific medication, amount, and individual elements like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably common and often get better over time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient encounters continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your doctor about any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or worry signs after an appropriate evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Patient choice is additionally important. Certain patients may want to avoid certain side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition