Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- A comprehensive latest investigation found that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
- Some drugs resulted in decreased mass, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and BP also differed markedly between drugs.
- Those experiencing ongoing, intense, or troubling side effects must discuss with a physician.
Recent investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The large-scale study, released on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of starting therapy.
These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to address major depression. Although not all individuals experiences side effects, certain of the most common recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
There were notable variations between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week regimen of one medication was associated with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the identical period.
There were also, marked fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between nortriptyline and another medication.
Depression Drug Side Effects Encompass a Broad Spectrum
Medical experts commented that the study's results are not considered recent or surprising to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications range in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a specialist explained.
"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these variations throughout a broad range of physical indicators employing information from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert commented.
This investigation provides comprehensive support of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
- sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, moisture, headache
Additionally, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct adverse drug side effects," another expert stated.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual variably, and negative effects can differ depending on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and personal elements like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
Although certain unwanted effects, including changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly get better over time, others may be less typical or more persistent.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.
"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," one professional said.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the present treatment, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."
Patients may also think about consulting with your healthcare provider about any absence of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety indicators following an appropriate testing period. The sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Individual choice is furthermore important. Certain individuals may choose to prevent certain unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition