Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive latest study found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Some drugs led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to added mass.
• Pulse rate and BP additionally varied significantly between drugs.
• Those experiencing continuing, severe, or troubling side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

New investigations has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The large-scale research, published on October 21, analyzed the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of starting therapy.

The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 medications typically employed to manage depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking variations across antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users increased close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, while another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical specialists commented that the investigation's results aren't novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one professional explained.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these variations across a broad array of physiological parameters employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the expert commented.

This study offers comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant side effects may comprise:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"One thing to consider here is that there are various varying classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug reactions," another expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient distinctly, and negative side effects can range based on the specific drug, dose, and individual considerations including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite frequent and frequently enhance as time passes, other effects may be less typical or continuing.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing drug, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may also consider consulting with your physician regarding any lack of substantial enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Personal preference is also crucial. Some individuals may want to avoid certain side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition