Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

Recent study delivers comprehensive evidence of the broad spectrum of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A comprehensive new research found that the side effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
  • Certain pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas other medications caused weight gain.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally diverged significantly between treatments.
  • Individuals experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of starting therapy.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly used to address major depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, some of the most frequent noted in the investigation were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant disparities across antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day regimen of one medication was linked to an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, notable variations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Include a Broad Spectrum

Medical specialists noted that the study's conclusions are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," a expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these differences across a wide range of bodily measurements using findings from over 58,000 individuals," this professional added.

This study offers robust support of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
  • sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, depending on the drug)
  • rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
  • dry mouth, moisture, migraine

Additionally, less common but medically important side effects may include:

  • elevations in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to note in this context is that there are multiple distinct categories of depression drugs, which lead to the different negative drug side effects," a different expert stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and adverse side effects can differ according to the specific medication, dose, and individual factors like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some unwanted effects, including changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and often get better over time, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider About Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person encounters ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with time or management strategies," one professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may additionally consider talking with your physician concerning any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms following an sufficient evaluation duration. The sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Individual preference is furthermore important. Some individuals may prefer to evade certain unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Lori Lowery
Lori Lowery

A passionate full-stack developer with over 8 years of experience, specializing in JavaScript and modern web technologies.

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