Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive recent study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Certain medications caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore diverged notably across drugs.
• Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or troubling adverse reactions must speak with a medical provider.

New investigations has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

This large-scale investigation, released on October 21st, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of commencing treatment.

These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically used to treat major depression. While not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking variations among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would reduce pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and doxepin.

Medical experts commented that the study's findings are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," a expert explained.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative measurement of these differences throughout a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing data from over 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.

This research delivers comprehensive evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or decrease, based on the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to remember in this context is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative medication effects," another expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each person distinctly, and negative effects can differ based on the exact medication, amount, and patient considerations like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably common and commonly enhance over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in severity, which could require a change in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Personal inclination is additionally significant. Certain patients may prefer to prevent certain side effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition