Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug

Recent study offers robust proof of the broad array of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • A extensive latest study discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
  • Certain drugs caused decreased mass, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
  • Pulse rate and BP also varied markedly between medications.
  • Individuals suffering from continuing, intense, or troubling side effects should speak with a physician.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.

This large-scale investigation, released on October 21st, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of starting therapy.

These investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs typically prescribed to manage major depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant differences between antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week course of one medication was associated with an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users increased nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication elevated it, producing a gap of about 21 BPM between the two medications. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Comprise a Wide Spectrum

Medical experts noted that the investigation's results aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these differences throughout a broad array of bodily measurements utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the specialist commented.

This research provides strong proof of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (addition or decrease, according to the drug)
  • rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are various different classes of antidepressants, which result in the varying negative medication reactions," another expert commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient differently, and unwanted effects can vary depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve as time passes, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the present treatment, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may furthermore contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient testing period. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Personal preference is additionally significant. Certain patients may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

April Clark
April Clark

A tech enthusiast and journalist with a passion for exploring cutting-edge gadgets and sharing actionable insights.