Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

• An extensive new investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
• Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas others resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and BP additionally differed notably between drugs.
• Those encountering persistent, severe, or concerning adverse reactions should consult a medical provider.

Recent studies has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This comprehensive research, published on October 21st, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of commencing treatment.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant differences across antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute among the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts commented that the investigation's conclusions are not novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"However, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities throughout a extensive array of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 participants," this specialist commented.

The study provides robust proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than others. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
• mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:

• increases in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are various distinct classes of depression drugs, which result in the different negative drug reactions," another expert commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each patient differently, and negative reactions can range according to the specific medication, dosage, and personal elements like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some side effects, including variations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite common and often get better over time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a professional said.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."

Patients may furthermore think about speaking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant improvement in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an adequate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.

Individual inclination is also significant. Some individuals may choose to avoid particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition