Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Variations Range by Drug

Latest study delivers comprehensive evidence of the wide array of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A extensive recent research discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
  • Certain medications resulted in weight loss, whereas others resulted in increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among drugs.
  • Those suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should consult a healthcare professional.

New studies has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive study, released on October 21, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of starting treatment.

The scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to address clinical depression. While not everyone encounters adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent noted in the research were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were significant differences between depression treatments. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. BP varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen among one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Include a Broad Range

Clinical specialists observed that the study's results aren't recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications range in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these differences throughout a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters using information from more than 58,000 subjects," this expert added.

This study delivers robust support of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (addition or decrease, according to the medication)
  • rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
  • dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to note here is that there are several different classes of antidepressants, which lead to the varying adverse medication side effects," a different specialist explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each patient differently, and negative reactions can differ based on the specific medication, dosage, and individual factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."

While several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly common and frequently enhance as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Consult with Your Physician Concerning Serious Unwanted Effects

Depression drug side effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the existing medication, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your physician regarding any deficiency of significant progress in low mood or worry indicators following an adequate trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Individual preference is also significant. Certain patients may prefer to evade particular unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Thomas Hall
Thomas Hall

A tech enthusiast and IT consultant with over a decade of experience in cybersecurity and network solutions.