Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication

Latest study provides strong evidence of the wide spectrum of antidepressant adverse reactions.
  • A extensive new investigation found that the side effects of depression drugs range significantly by drug.
  • Certain drugs caused decreased mass, while different drugs led to added mass.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure also varied significantly across drugs.
  • Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions must consult a medical provider.

Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, released on October 21st, assessed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of beginning therapy.

The scientists studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically prescribed to manage depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, some of the most common noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant disparities between antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day regimen of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, while another medication increased it, creating a gap of around 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed across one drug and doxepin.

Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Range

Clinical experts commented that the study's conclusions are not considered novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a expert stated.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities across a wide spectrum of physical indicators utilizing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," this specialist commented.

This investigation provides comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Typical depression drug side effects may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (increase or reduction, based on the agent)
  • rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

  • increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to note in this context is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different professional commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the particular drug, dose, and individual elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often improve with time, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider About Serious Side Effects

Depression drug side effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"An change in depression drug may be warranted if the patient suffers ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the current treatment, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician about any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or worry signs after an appropriate testing period. The adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Individual inclination is additionally important. Some people may choose to prevent particular side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Michael Miller
Michael Miller

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and sharing practical tech advice.