Antidepressant Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An extensive latest investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ significantly by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore differed significantly between drugs.
• Individuals experiencing continuing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a medical provider.

New research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This extensive research, published on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of commencing treatment.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to address major depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable variations among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, marked fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to reduce heart rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed among one drug and another medication.

Clinical experts observed that the investigation's conclusions aren't novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"However, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these differences across a wide array of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 individuals," the professional noted.

The research provides strong proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (addition or loss, depending on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to remember here is that there are multiple distinct types of depression drugs, which lead to the varying unwanted drug side effects," another expert explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient variably, and negative side effects can differ depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and patient factors such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

While certain unwanted effects, such as variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and often improve over time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"An modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient encounters ongoing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally think about consulting with your physician concerning any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. The adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Individual choice is additionally crucial. Certain people may choose to prevent particular unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition