Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication
- An extensive recent investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while others caused added mass.
- Pulse rate and BP also diverged notably between drugs.
- Individuals suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a physician.
Latest research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The extensive study, released on October 21st, analyzed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of commencing medication.
The researchers studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically employed to address major depression. While not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
There were striking variations across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Range
Medical specialists observed that the research's results are not recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants vary in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one specialist explained.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a broad spectrum of physical indicators using data from over 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.
This investigation delivers comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:
- stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
- sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (addition or decrease, according to the drug)
- rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain
At the same time, rarer but clinically significant side effects may comprise:
- elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"A key factor to consider here is that there are various different classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," another professional commented.
"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each patient variably, and negative side effects can vary based on the specific drug, amount, and patient factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
While several side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite frequent and frequently get better as time passes, others may be less common or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.
"An adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the individual experiences ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a expert stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the present medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."
Individuals may also consider consulting with your doctor about any absence of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an adequate testing period. The adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.
Individual preference is furthermore crucial. Some patients may want to evade particular adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
