Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication
- A comprehensive recent investigation found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while others caused added mass.
- Heart rate and BP additionally diverged notably among medications.
- Patients encountering persistent, intense, or troubling unwanted effects ought to consult a physician.
New research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.
This comprehensive research, released on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting therapy.
The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications typically employed to address depression. Although not every patient develops side effects, some of the most common observed in the study were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
There were notable variations across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added close to 2 kg in the identical period.
Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, producing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed across nortriptyline and another medication.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Spectrum
Medical professionals commented that the study's findings are not recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants range in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist explained.
"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these differences throughout a extensive range of bodily measurements utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.
This investigation delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:
- stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, according to the agent)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, sweating, headache
Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:
- increases in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or indifference
"A key factor to note here is that there are various different categories of depression drugs, which lead to the varying unwanted medication effects," another professional stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient distinctly, and negative reactions can range based on the particular drug, dosage, and personal considerations like body chemistry or comorbidities."
Although some unwanted effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and often enhance as time passes, other effects may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician About Severe Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.
"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the person suffers persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or management strategies," a expert stated.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present drug, such as elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."
Individuals may also consider speaking with your healthcare provider about any absence of substantial enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms after an appropriate trial period. An sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.
Patient preference is also important. Certain people may prefer to avoid certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
