Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• An extensive latest research determined that the side effects of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Certain medications caused reduced body weight, while other medications led to weight gain.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged markedly across treatments.
• Those suffering from persistent, intense, or troubling unwanted effects must speak with a physician.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.

This comprehensive study, released on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of beginning treatment.

These investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to address clinical depression. While not everyone encounters unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable variations across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an two-month course of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients increased nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, causing a difference of about 21 BPM between the two medications. BP differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted between one drug and doxepin.

Medical experts commented that the investigation's results are not recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these disparities among a extensive range of bodily measurements using data from in excess of 58,000 participants," this specialist added.

The study delivers robust proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less common but medically important side effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are multiple different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary based on the specific medication, dosage, and personal considerations including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although some side effects, including variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and frequently enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could justify a modification in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers persistent or unbearable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

Patients may also consider speaking with your physician concerning any deficiency of significant progress in low mood or worry indicators following an sufficient evaluation duration. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Patient inclination is additionally important. Some people may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition