Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New research delivers comprehensive proof of the wide range of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • An extensive new research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
  • Heart rate and BP also varied markedly across drugs.
  • Those encountering continuing, serious, or concerning adverse reactions ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

New research has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This extensive research, published on October 21st, assessed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of beginning treatment.

The scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the research were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were significant disparities across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added almost 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Additionally, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication raised it, creating a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Comprise a Wide Spectrum

Healthcare professionals observed that the study's conclusions are not new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"However, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities across a broad array of physical indicators employing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.

This investigation provides comprehensive proof of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, depending on the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

  • rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to consider here is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressants, which result in the different unwanted drug reactions," another specialist commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual differently, and negative side effects can range based on the exact medication, dose, and individual factors such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are quite common and commonly get better as time passes, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Talk with Your Physician Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the person suffers ongoing or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," one specialist said.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may also consider consulting with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.

Individual inclination is additionally crucial. Some people may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Deborah Brooks
Deborah Brooks

A passionate writer and home enthusiast sharing insights on decor and travel from across the UK.