Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Depending on Medication
- A large recent study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
- Some drugs led to weight loss, whereas different drugs caused weight gain.
- Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also diverged markedly among treatments.
- Individuals experiencing ongoing, serious, or worrisome side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.
Latest research has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than once assumed.
This extensive study, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of beginning treatment.
These researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to address clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed notable variations across depression treatments. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Furthermore, significant changes in heart function: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, causing a gap of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Array
Clinical experts commented that the study's conclusions aren't novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one professional stated.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, relative measurement of these disparities among a broad range of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist commented.
The investigation delivers robust evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug side effects may comprise:
- digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (gain or loss, based on the medication)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine
Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- low sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"One thing to consider here is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which lead to the varying adverse medication reactions," a different professional explained.
"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact every individual variably, and adverse reactions can range according to the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and individual elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."
While some unwanted effects, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly common and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less common or continuing.
Consult with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects
Depression drug side effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.
"An adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the person experiences ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," a professional commented.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."
You may furthermore think about speaking with your physician about any absence of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry indicators after an appropriate evaluation duration. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.
Personal choice is additionally significant. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
