Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Variations Range by Drug

Latest research offers strong findings of the wide spectrum of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • An extensive latest investigation discovered that the side effects of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to weight loss, whereas others resulted in added mass.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure additionally varied notably among treatments.
  • Those experiencing ongoing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions should speak with a physician.

Latest studies has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This large-scale study, released on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of beginning medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications typically used to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent noted in the study were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable disparities among antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month course of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline increased it, creating a gap of around 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Encompass a Broad Array

Medical specialists commented that the study's findings are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional commented.

"However, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities throughout a broad range of physiological parameters utilizing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," this expert commented.

The investigation offers robust evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, according to the drug)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • emotional blunting or apathy

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are various varying types of antidepressants, which result in the varying unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," another expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact each patient differently, and negative effects can vary according to the exact medication, dose, and individual factors such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and often get better as time passes, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Speak with Your Physician About Intense Unwanted Effects

Depression drug side effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the current medication, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."

Patients may furthermore think about speaking with your doctor about any lack of substantial progress in low mood or worry indicators after an sufficient evaluation duration. An appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Personal choice is furthermore important. Certain patients may choose to evade particular unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Tracy Carr
Tracy Carr

A digital strategist passionate about blending creativity with technology to drive impactful online experiences.