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

New study delivers robust evidence of the broad array of depression treatment side effects.
  • A comprehensive new research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
  • Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and BP furthermore diverged markedly between drugs.
  • Individuals encountering continuing, serious, or worrisome side effects should discuss with a physician.

New investigations has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The large-scale study, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.

The researchers examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to manage clinical depression. While not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common noted in the investigation were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed notable variations across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, significant variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, causing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen among one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Encompass a Wide Array

Healthcare experts commented that the study's results aren't recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various depression drugs range in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, relative measurement of these disparities among a broad array of physical indicators employing information from over 58,000 participants," this professional noted.

This investigation offers strong proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (addition or reduction, based on the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

  • rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to note here is that there are various varying categories of depression drugs, which lead to the different adverse drug effects," a different specialist commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence every individual distinctly, and adverse reactions can range according to the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors like metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, including changes in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably typical and commonly enhance over time, others may be less common or more persistent.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be aggravated by the present treatment, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

You may also contemplate consulting with your physician regarding any absence of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms following an appropriate testing period. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Personal inclination is furthermore important. Certain individuals may choose to prevent particular adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Aaron Neal
Aaron Neal

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