Depression Drug Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• A extensive latest research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Some medications caused weight loss, whereas different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also differed markedly between medications.
• Individuals encountering ongoing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects must speak with a medical provider.

Latest studies has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of starting medication.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently used to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, certain of the most frequent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking variations across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of about 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted between one drug and doxepin.

Clinical experts noted that the investigation's conclusions are not new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"However, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these differences among a broad spectrum of physiological parameters using data from more than 58,000 subjects," this specialist commented.

This research provides robust evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may include:

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are various different categories of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted medication effects," another professional explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence every individual distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ based on the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and personal factors including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While certain adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly enhance as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the current drug, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may also contemplate speaking with your doctor regarding any absence of meaningful progress in depression-related or worry indicators after an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Personal choice is also crucial. Certain people may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition