Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New research provides robust findings of the wide spectrum of antidepressant unwanted effects.
  • An comprehensive new research found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
  • Certain medications led to reduced body weight, while other medications caused weight gain.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore differed notably between drugs.
  • Patients experiencing continuing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to speak with a physician.

Latest research has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, released on October 21st, assessed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of beginning treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat clinical depression. While not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the research were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

There were striking variations across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was associated with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals increased close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, notable variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Depression Drug Side Effects Encompass a Extensive Spectrum

Healthcare specialists commented that the study's conclusions are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their influences on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these differences among a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing data from more than 58,000 individuals," this specialist added.

This study provides robust evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
  • sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the drug)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or sedation)
  • dry mouth, sweating, migraine

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

  • increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to consider here is that there are various different categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can influence each person variably, and negative effects can vary depending on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and personal elements including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although several side effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and commonly improve over time, other effects may be less typical or continuing.

Speak with Your Physician About Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a adjustment in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the individual suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," one specialist said.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the present treatment, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

Patients may also think about consulting with your healthcare provider about any deficiency of significant progress in depression-related or worry indicators after an sufficient trial period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Personal preference is furthermore crucial. Some people may want to prevent certain unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Tamara Pittman
Tamara Pittman

A passionate fashion blogger with over a decade of experience in trend forecasting and personal styling.