Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication

• An large recent study determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while other medications led to added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore varied notably between drugs.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions must speak with a medical provider.

Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.

The comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first two months of commencing therapy.

The investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to treat depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, certain of the most frequent noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking differences between antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, causing a gap of approximately 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen among one drug and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the research's findings are not recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a professional explained.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparative quantification of these disparities among a broad array of physiological parameters employing findings from over 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This study offers robust evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may include:

• stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted drug effects," a different professional explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can differ based on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and individual elements like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While some adverse reactions, including changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and frequently get better over time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could require a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient experiences ongoing or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," one professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may also consider consulting with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in depressive or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an adequate testing period. The appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Patient inclination is furthermore important. Certain patients may want to evade certain adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition