Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• A large recent research determined that the side effects of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
• Some drugs led to reduced body weight, while other medications caused added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied markedly between drugs.
• Those suffering from continuing, serious, or worrisome side effects must speak with a healthcare professional.

Recent research has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

The extensive research, published on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the initial two months of starting therapy.

These scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly used to manage depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the study were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable variations among antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the same duration.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would decrease heart rate, whereas another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 BPM across the two medications. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts commented that the research's conclusions are not considered recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations across a wide range of bodily measurements employing data from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This study delivers robust proof of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

• increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative pharmaceutical effects," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient variably, and negative effects can differ according to the specific medication, dosage, and personal elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, including fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and often get better with time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."

You may additionally contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider about any deficiency of meaningful improvement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an adequate testing period. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Patient choice is also crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to evade specific unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition